Lewandowski scores brace in victorious Chicago Fire home debut against Charlotte
Chicago, Aug 2
Chicago Fire FC overpowered Charlotte FC in a 2-1 victory at Soldier Field. Forward Robert Lewandowski scored both goals for Chicago in his home debut, his first two in Major League Soccer.
Midway through the second half, Lewandowski completed his takeover of the match, magnificently scoring what would prove to be the winner in a 2-1 victory over Charlotte FC.
Charlotte struck first with a goal by Pep Biel in the 18th minute, but Chicago equalised just 93 seconds later. Winger Jonathan Bamba's ball found the head of two-time MLS All-Star Philip Zinckernagel, who redirected it to the feet of Lewandowski, the MLS club reports.
The Polish striker took two touches and converted a strike from just outside the box, notching his first career MLS goal - a historic moment in front of a roaring crowd.
As both sides sought a go-ahead second-half goal, Lewandowski stepped up once again in the 68th minute. After a build-up with more than 25 passes, a cross by left back Andrew Gutman found the feet of Robin Lod, who connected with an underlapping Lewandowski inside the penalty box.
Lewandowski, running to his right, chipped a shot past Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina that found the side netting to secure his first MLS brace and first game-winning goal with the Men in Red.
"That type of quality is hard to find," head coach Gregg Berhalter said postgame. "When you look at the two goals he scored and some of the other plays he made in the game, it's just very high quality.
"He's dynamic, smart and clever. He sees the game and reads the game very well. Most importantly, in the box, he's an absolute killer. This is hopefully the beginning of a lot of goals."
Since his blockbuster arrival two weeks ago, Lewandowski got his first taste of MLS in road losses to Inter Miami and New York City FC. He marked his official introduction to his new fans in Chicago, and he did it in style.
The Polish forward is the fourth player in Fire history to score multiple goals in his home debut, joining Frank Klopas in 1998, Andy Herron in 2008 and Tomasz Frankowski in 2008.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The build-up for that second goal with 25+ passes was a thing of beauty. This is what we need to see more of in football - patient, intelligent play. Lewandowski's movement off the ball is a masterclass. Also, 93 seconds to equalize after conceding shows great character from Chicago. 👏
As someone who follows European football, seeing Lewandowski move to MLS was surprising, but he's already showing why he's one of the best strikers of his generation. Two goals in his home debut after those away losses - talk about making a statement! The Polish connection with Frankowski is a nice trivia touch too.
Honestly, I think MLS is underrated. People joke about it being a 'retirement league' but look at the quality of that second goal - the passing, the movement, the finish. Lewandowski didn't come here to relax, he came to score. Hopefully this puts more Indian fans onto MLS. ⚽🇮🇳
The way Lewandowski reads the game is unreal - that first goal, two touches and it's in the net. He's making a league that's already improving look even better. Also credit to Berhalter for building a system that lets him thrive. Superb performance all around.
Great game, but I hope Charlotte can bounce back. They started well with that Pep Biel goal but just couldn't hold on. Lewandowski is obviously world-class though - that chip for the second goal was so calm and composed. What a player to have in Chicago!
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