Photo by Mike DiNovo/USA Today Sports

By RYAN TOLMICH

Through 86 minutes, the fourth and final U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal match-up looked destined for penalty kicks.

Then, Kennedy Igboananike took matters into his own hands.

Igboananike scored a pair of goals in the game’s final minutes, leading the Chicago Fire to a 3-1 victory over Orlando City in Thursday’s U.S. Open Cup clash at Toyota Park.

Stuck at a 1-1 deadlock for a majority of the second half, Igboananike gave the Fire the lead in the 87th minute by taking full advantage of a ball that hit the post.

Driving in on the left side, Fire forward David Accam rifled a shot off the near post and straight back towards the penalty spot. Awaiting was Igboanankike, who was tasked with a mere tap in to the net to give his side the 2-1 lead.

Just four minutes later, Igboananike removed all doubt, leading a vicious counter attack as Orlando City pressed high in search of a leveler.

Winning the ball deep in his own half, Joevin Jones launched a long-ball towards the speedy forward, who darted onto the pass as it dropped over a defender’s head. Rushing toward goal, Igboananike remained composed, rounding the goalkeeper before firing home with his weak foot to seal the Fire’s place in the semifinal round.

In the first half, Patrick Nyarko and Cyle Larin traded goals.

With the victory, the Fire book a place in the tournament’s final four, where they will now take on the Philadelphia Union on Aug. 11.

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What do you think about the Fire’s win over Orlando City? Impressed with Igboananike’s performance? Does Chicago have enough to win this Open Cup?

Share your thoughts below.