Using a similar formula to the one that earned them a win in Orlando one week earlier, the Fire picked up three big points at home Saturday night, defeating the visiting San Jose Earthquakes, 2-1, at Toyota Park. Catch up on the most notable outcomes from the match:
- Just like in that win at Orlando City SC, it was Alan Gordon and Aleksandar Katai providing the signature moments as goal-scorers in a 2-1 win, beginning with Gordon’s third goal in as many games. It’s the first time Gordon found net in three consecutive matches since July, 2012, when he was at the peak of his form as a member of the San Jose Earthquakes.
- Gordon now stands at 4 goals this season in 495 minutes played (0.73 goals per 90 minutes).
- That goal came courtesy of a spot-on service by Luis Solignac, who made his first start since March 17 after overcoming a quad injury. Solignac’s 50th MLS regular-season game played as a member of the Men In Red saw him go 79 minutes and pick up his first assist of the season and fifth for the Fire.
- Aleksandar Katai also netted his fourth goal of 2018, receiving a through-ball from midfielder Brandt Bronico and finishing over the shoulder of goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell.
- It was the second assist in as many games for Bronico, who was making his second straight start after appearing in the starting XI for the first time midweek at Philadelphia.
- Making this third consecutive start, goalkeeper Patrick McLain was forced to exit the match moments before halftime, suffering what was reported as a right thigh injury. Richard Sánchez entered in his stead and made two saves in helping preserve the win.
- Nemanja Nikolić replaced Alan Gordon as a 67th-minute substitute, working his way back to full fitness after missing the midweek match in Philadelphia with an ankle knock.
- Both teams finished with five shots on frame, while the Quakes claimed a narrow 14-13 advantage in total shots.
- In picking up its first win of the season against a Western Conference opponent, Chicago has now won its last three meetings against San Jose dating to 2016.
- The Fire's busy early-summer schedule continues this week with their entry into the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, traveling to take on Columbus Crew SC at MAPFRE Stadium Wednesday (6 PM CT) before returning to Toyota Park for MLS play against New England.
