Minnesota United were riding high coming into the Windy City to face the Fire — no losses, all momentum. But, they were set to take on a desperate, better-than-their-record-would-advertise Chicago club that has played a number of quality teams in the early going of the season, and to respectable results. Unfortunately for the Loons, Saturday night’s match gave off early indications that Kei Kamara might be making toast of the defensive backline on the night. The 38-year forward struck twice in a first half that started with a back and forth between the clubs, and finished with a flurry of Chicago attacks and the ageless wonder getting his first goal of the night in the 24th minute after the offside call drew VAR and was determined to, in fact, be onside and in the goal to put the Fire up 1-0. He struck again not long after in the 36th minute, when a beautifully-placed corner found a diving Kamara’s head for the goal. 2-0, Fire.
The Loons came out for the second half of action a bit shaky off the whistle, as Chicago continued to pepper the goal the way they had towards the end of the first half. But, it didn’t take long for the Loons to refocus and get something going on the attack. Business finally picked up in the 57th minute as midfielder Kervin Arriaga’s free kick from outside the box had enough power behind it to deflect off Chicago keeper Chris Brady’s hands, skipping into the net. Chicago - 2, MNUFC - 1.
From there on out, it was a battle to the finish, with both squads continuing to press on the attack. The Loons had their moments where it appeared the equalizer was coming, especially once the newest Loon, South Korean midfielder Sang Bin Jeong, entered into the action in the 61st minute. His speed was on display throughout the second half, making runs and seeing some opportunities to cross into the box and find the back of the net, but no such luck. Still, his play has to have Loons fans optimistic about having the newcomer in the fold. An absolute flurry of action in front of the Chicago goal around the 86th minute where Kemar Lawrence’s cross was headed by Hassani Dotson, only to bounce off the Fire keeper Brady and back towards Bongokule Hlongwane. Unfortunately, Bongi’s close-range strike was again thwarted by Brady and the Chicago defensive line, with the scoreline holding until the clock ran out on the Loons efforts to remain unbeaten with a final for Chicago - 2, Minnesota - 1.
Sure, the unbeaten streak was a huge boost for a club starting the season by going from underestimated to undefeated. After tonight, the focus turns away from the first loss of the season and back North towards the cozy confines of Allianz Field to look for redemption against Orlando City next Saturday.
UP NEXT
Orlando City vs. Minnesota United FC
Allianz Field | St. Paul, Minnesota
04.15.23 | MLS Game 8
