MLS: Chicago Fire beat New England to close the gap on Toronto
Sunday 6 August 2017 08:37, UK
Chicago Fire beat New England Revolution 4-1 on Saturday to continue their winning streak and close in on MLS Eastern Conference leaders Toronto.
Matt Polster and Juninho both scored for Chicago in the first half before Michael de Leeuw and Luis Solignac added goals in the second half.
With the victory, Chicago extended their winning streak at home to nine matches, the all-time second best in MLS, to remain second in the Eastern Conference standings, just three points off the pace.
Toronto's lead was trimmed from five to three points after being held to a 1-1 draw by bottom-placed DC United.
In the Western Conference, Seattle moved into a tie for second spot after thumping Minnesota 4-0.
Live MLS
US international striker Clint Dempsey scored twice while Will Bruin and Jordan Morris netted once each.
The Sounders are unbeaten in their last seven games and now equal on points with Houston and Dallas, who both squandered their chance to temporarily overtake the conference leaders Kansas City, who play Sunday.
Houston, reduced to 10 men when midfielder Alex Lima picked up two yellow cards in 80 seconds midway through the second half, were held to a scoreless draw by Real Salt Lake.
FC Dallas lost 3-1 to Philadelphia Union in a game that saw the first use of video review in MLS.
Dallas, trailing 3-0, thought they had pulled a goal back in the 80th minute when Max Urruti followed up on a Christian Colman effort that had been parried by Union keeper John McCarthy, knocking in the rebound.
But Colman's effort included a kick at McCarthy, and referee Ricardo Salazar was alerted to the possibility of a foul. After a 15-second review, Salazar ruled that there was indeed a kick on McCarthy, and the goal was disallowed.
In addition to featuring MLS's first review, the match also marked the first time the Union have beaten Dallas in their eight-year history - after five prior defeats and four draws.
CJ Sapong scored twice -- his 11th and 12th goals of the season and Ilsinho added a goal for the Union.
Montreal came from a goal down at halftime to beat Orlando City 2-1, with Ignacio Piatti and substitute Anthony Jackson-Hamel scoring, while San Jose held on to beat Columbus 2-1 after early goals from Marco Urena and Chris Wondolowski.
Vancouver and Colorado played out a 2-2 draw, with Tonya Tchani and Freddy Montero scoring for the Whitecaps and Axel Sjoberg and Kevin Doyle replying for the Rapids, who remain at the bottom of the Western Conference ladder.
Live MLS
