Article Author:
Reuters
Kacper Przybylko scored in the 52nd minute to clinch Chicago FC's 3-2 win over Charlotte FC on Saturday night.
Przybylko and Federico Navarro put him three minutes behind in the first half, Gabriel “Gaga” Slonina made the Fire his three saves (8-10-6, 30 points) and the Fire improved to his 4-0-1. their last five games.
Jord Leina scored in the first minute and Karol Swidelski scored for Charlotte FC with his one in the 45th minute (9-13-2, 29 points). It was the fourth loss in 12 games for the expansion club at Bank of America Stadium (8-4-0).
Przybylko secured the double after scoring a pass from Xherdan Shaqiri and decading Charlotte FC's Christian Fuchs to give him room to breathe. Przybylko then sent his diving left-footed shot past Kristijan Kahlina (five saves) for his fifth goal of the season to lead the team.
Charlotte FC had the advantage from the start after forcing a turnover deep in Chicago's field.
Jaylin Lindsey's cross was headed home by a diving Reyna in his first minute. Reina's goal was his third in the last four games.
Chicago fought back in the 21st minute after Gaston Jimenez's shot from outside the box produced a juicy rebound. Przybylko immediately pounced on the ball and scored from a sharp angle.
Zafire took the lead in the 24th minute after Gyro's Torres feed was headed by Shaqiri and Navarro fired a left-footed shot. The ball slid across the turf and past a diving Carina to score Navarro's second goal of the season, his first since June 29.
Chicago weren't able to properly clear the ball late in the first half, but Swidelski pulled it 2-2 at close range. The goal was his team-leading seventh of the season, all seven of which were scored for Charlotte.
– Field Level Media
