BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – The Chicago Fire looked to the lessons learned in recent defeats at Colorado and Philadelphia as they advanced to the US Open Cup quarterfinals with a resolute 2-1 win over rivals Columbus Crew SC on Tuesday.
Showing added resolve following the late 2-1 loss at the Rapids and a 4-3 reversal at the Union, the Fire were not prepared to let this game pass them by. Having taken an impressive two-goal lead by the 30th minute thanks to Man of the Match David Accam, coach Veljko Paunovic rejigged his side to a more defensive formation in an attempt to close out the game with more than 20 minutes to go.