Top Stories

Nyarko winner leads Fire past Crew in U.S. Open Cup

Patrick Nyarko

 

Photo by ISIPhotos.com

By IVES GALARCEP

The Chicago Fire booked the eighth and final spot in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals on Thursday as they rode Mike Magee’s latest goal and a game-winning finish from Patrick Nyarko to eliminate the Columbus Crew via a 2-1 victory at Toyota Park.

The Crew opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Konrad Warzycha headed home a Ben Speas free kick to give the visitors the lead, but Magee delivered his fourth goal in four matches by finishing off a beautiful pass from Gonzalo Segares in the 43rd minute.

The Fire trotted out a stronger starting lineup than the Crew, in part because of the fact they have a bye week coming up while the Crew have a match vs. Montreal looming on Saturday. Chicago took advantage of that edge in the second half as they started to take control, finally taking the lead in the 78th when Nyarko headed home a Chris Rolfe pass for the winning goal.

Chicago advances to the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals, where they will play host to USL-POR side Orlando City, which reached the quarters by eliminating defending champion Sporting Kansas City. The Fire and Orlando City will face off on June 26th.

What did you think of the match? Impressed with the Fire since the arrival of Magee and Bakary Soumare? See the Crew’s season falling apart or think they will regroup and make a run at the playoffs?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Nyarko creates more scoring opportunities than any player on the team. His quickness and ball skills are incredible. His crosses are amazingly accurate and he constantly pressures the opposition both on offense and defense. His value to the team is as a creator not a finisher. Any goals he scores are a bonus to everything else he brings to the table. He does more than anyone on the pitch on any given day.

    Reply
  2. With two solid transfer window acquisitions the Fire could really make a push for the playoffs this year. It is time to splash some cash though. No more discount DPs.

    Reply
  3. I have been a Crew fan for years. Why is RW still coaching this team? Each year, the results have been worse. He needs to go and the fans never see him on a “hot seat” list.

    Reply
  4. Happy to see the Fire turning things around. Hopefully they can make a run for the Cup and get #5 this year. It hard to believe their last Cup was in 2006. I was fortunate to attend the title game win over the Galaxy. Time flies.

    Reply

Leave a Comment