Berliner Boersenzeitung - Chicago Fire rally past Atlanta United 3-2 to hold fourth place

Chicago Fire FC came from behind to beat Atlanta United 3-2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, strengthening its Major League Soccer playoff position and leaving the hosts with another setback late in the regular season.

Atlanta took the lead in the fourth minute. Miguel Almiron drove forward from midfield and supplied Tomás Jacob, who finished past Chicago goalkeeper Chris Brady.

Chicago gradually gained more control of possession and equalised in the 30th minute. After a corner, Anton Saletros collected the ball outside the penalty area and struck a low half-volley through a crowded defence and into the net.

The visitors went ahead six minutes after halftime. Substitute Anzor Mekvabishvili capitalised on an Atlanta defensive error involving goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos and scored his first goal for Chicago.

Philip Zinckernagel extended the lead in the 60th minute. An indirect free kick inside Atlanta’s six-yard box created the chance, and Zinckernagel finished emphatically to put Chicago 3-1 ahead.

Atlanta continued to press and reduced the deficit in the 68th minute. Breel Embolo met a cross from Elías Báez and directed his header beyond Brady.

The home side sought an equaliser in the closing stages, but Chicago protected its one-goal advantage to complete the away win. Saletros, Mekvabishvili and Zinckernagel were the three scorers for the Fire, while Jacob and Embolo scored for Atlanta.

The result reflected a sharp change after Atlanta’s early goal. Chicago first recovered through Saletros before two goals in the opening 15 minutes of the second half established the cushion that proved decisive despite Embolo’s response.

Chicago’s total rose to 51 points from 31 matches, keeping the club fourth in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta remained on 30 points in 14th place after its 17th defeat, with three regular-season games left.

Both teams return to action on Wednesday. Atlanta will travel to face New York City FC, while Chicago will host Orlando City.

(L.Kaufmann--BBZ)