Chicago Fire FC Falls Short Against Inter Miami CF

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (July 20, 2024) – On a challenging evening for Chicago Fire FC, the team succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Inter Miami CF during a competitive match at Chase Stadium.

In this encounter, defender Rafael Czichos made his mark by netting his first goal of the season in the 73rd minute of play. Also noteworthy was the debut of Homegrown defender Justin Reynolds as he stepped onto the pitch for his MLS first showing against Miami.

The action unfolded early, with Inter Miami taking the lead just six minutes into the match. Midfielder Robert Taylor sprinted up the left side, expertly maneuvering along the goal line. He cleverly laid the ball back to Matias Rojas positioned at the top of the box, who then fired a shot into the far corner of the net.

As the match progressed, the Fire found their rhythm and were able to level the score in the 73rd minute. Czichos made a dynamic run down the left flank before making a decisive strike inside the 18-yard-box, finding the back of the net past Miami keeper, Drake Callender, between the near post and the goalie.

However, Chicago’s joy was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Inter Miami regained their lead through a clever play from Jordi Alba. After a defensive mistake that resulted in a miscleared ball landing in the box, Alba wasted no time and struck, securing the advantage for his team once again.

Looking forward, Chicago Fire FC will shift their focus to the upcoming 2024 Leagues Cup. Their next match will see them face off against Sporting KC on the road at Children’s Mercy Park, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 p.m. CT on Sunday, July 28. Fans can catch the action globally through MLS Season Pass.

Notes from the match indicated various disciplinary actions as well. Miami’s Taylor received a yellow card in the 39th minute, followed by Fray in the 85th minute. For the Fire, Gutiérrez was cautioned with a yellow in the dying moments of the game.

The starting lineup for Chicago included goalkeeper Brady and defenders Souquet, Czichos, Omsberg (who was substituted by Pineda in the 19th minute), Arigoni (replaced by Reynolds in the 86th minute). The midfield featured Gutiérrez, Herbers (with Mueller taking his place in the 59th minute), Acosta (substituted by Barlow in the 86th minute), Giménez, and Haile-Selassie (swapped out for Koutsias in the 59th minute), while Cuypers led the front line.

Meanwhile, for Inter Miami, goalkeeper Callender donned the captain’s armband, supported by defenders Aviles, Alba, and Redondo (who was replaced by Allen in the 81st minute). The midfield consisted of Busquets, Rojas (with Fray replacing him later), and Gressel (substituted by Ruiz in the 70th minute). The attackers were Weigandt, Suarez, Taylor (who made way for Afonso in the 70th minute), and Bright.

Statistics from the match presented a clear picture of the competitive nature of the game. Inter Miami registered a total of 19 shots compared to Chicago’s 14, with shots on goal also favoring Miami at 9 to 6. In the goalkeeping department, while Callender had 4 saves, Chicago’s goalkeeper made a commendable 7 saves on the evening.

Both teams showcased impressive passing accuracy, with Miami at 86% and Chicago slightly ahead at 86.6%. Corner kicks were awarded 7 to Miami and 4 to Chicago, while the teams exhibited a balanced foul count of 9 for Miami and 10 for Chicago. Finally, possession stats tipped in Chicago’s favor, boasting 52.9% compared to Miami’s 47.1%.

Marcos DeOliveira officiated the match, supported by assistant referees Jeremy Hanson and Walt Heatherly, with Joshua Encarnación serving as the Fourth Official and VAR duties handled by David Barrie and Craig Lowry.