Chicago Fire defeat Cruz Azul, advance in Leagues Cup

in The Township of Lyons Chronicle

Two soccer players in blue and red jerseys walk together with their arms around each other on the field, while referees and spectators appear in the background.

 

By: Alex Murphy – Editor in Chief

The Chicago Fire FC defeated Cruz Azul in 2-1, clinching first place in the Major League Soccer (MLS) League and securing a playoff berth in the 2026 Leagues Cup for the first time since 2023. The Fire went undefeated in Phase One of the Leagues cup winning all three of their games.  

The rainy night didn’t deter fans as 18,567 fans from both sides were in attendance. Cruz fans packed the stadium in their blue gear creating a sea of blue with only patches of red, Fire fans in the stadium. 

A Cruz Azul fan in a blue jersey raises his arms and holds a blue-and-white shirt overhead while surrounded by cheering supporters.
A Cruz Azul fan cheers on his team from the stands (Photo credit: SeatGeek media team).

After going scoreless in the first half, both teams came out determined to score in the second half. Gregg Berhalter, head coach for the Chicago Fire, reflects on the team’s first half performance and how they were able to turn themselves around and secure the win.

“I just didn’t think we played up to our standards,” Berhalter said. “I don’t know if I would classify it poor, you go 00 at halftime. But I think it was good for the boys to turn it around and then you focus and say here are some things we can do and here’s how we are gonna do it.” 

A soccer player in a red uniform sits on the field with his arms raised, appearing to protest a call during the match.

A Chicago Fire player sits on the field after a tackle(Photo credit: SeatGeek media team).

After the whistle blew indicating halftime was over, both teams immediately started trying to secure the first goal of the game. In the 67th minute, Chicago Fire player Puso Dithejane scored the first goal of the night, and the Fire took the lead. 

Then with two minutes left of regular time, Cruz Azul player Nicolas Ibañez tied the game scoring a goal assisted by José Paradela. Seven minutes of additional time was added to the clock, and fans eagerly watched to see if a goal would be scored or if the game would go into overtime. 

 

A Cruz Azul player in a blue uniform runs with the ball during a soccer match, with a referee, other players, and spectators in the background.
A Cruz Azul player dribbles the ball (Photo credit: SeatGeek media team).

Three minutes into additional time, Dithejane scored the game-winning goal, his second goal of the night and first brace, and the stadium erupted. With four minutes left of the game Cruz Azul attempted to tie the game, but was unsuccessful and the Fire took home the win.

With the win the Fire advanced to the second round of the Leagues cup and Cruz Azul was disqualified. Fans would have to wait a few days to find out when the Fire would play their next game in the Leagues Cup but the team was not ready to rest, as they had a regular MLS season against the Portland Timbers just three days later.  

 

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