Atlanta United Falls 2-1 to Chicago Fire FC in Hard-Fought Road Match

Atlanta United dropped a narrow 2-1 decision to Chicago Fire FC on Saturday afternoon at Soldier Field, despite a spirited second-half push and a late equalizer that briefly brought the match level.

The hosts struck first in the 14th minute when a handball called on Alexey Miranchuk in the box led to a penalty kick. Hugo Cuypers calmly converted from the spot, sending Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan the wrong way with a low shot into the bottom left corner.

Atlanta’s best first-half chance came in the 33rd minute when Miranchuk curled a left-footed effort toward the far post, but Chicago goalkeeper Jeffrey Gal made a full-stretch diving save. Moments later, Guzan responded with a critical save of his own, denying Cuypers a second goal with a point-blank block after a deflected free kick.

Atlanta came out stronger after halftime, generating momentum and several near-goals. Miguel Almirón was played into the box in the 56th minute by Miranchuk, but his second effort after a blocked shot sailed just wide. The breakthrough came in the 80th minute when Chicago inadvertently leveled the match. A dangerous Miranchuk cross was flicked by Jack Elliott and deflected into the net by Sam Rogers for an own goal.

However, Chicago responded quickly. In the 86th minute, Rominigue Kouame scored the game-winner after a combination down the right flank led to a low cross from Omari Glasgow. Kouame placed his finish past Guzan into the right corner to put the Fire ahead 2-1.

Atlanta nearly salvaged a point in stoppage time when Derrick Williams slid in to meet a cross from Noah Cobb, but the defender’s effort struck the post and trickled out of play.

With the loss, Atlanta United falls to 2-6-4 (10 points) on the season. The Five Stripes look to bounce back on Wednesday, May 14, when they visit Austin FC at Q2 Stadium.