There is no stopping the Chicago Fire right now. Just ask Atlanta United.
The Fire used goals from Luis Solignac and Nemanja Nikolic on each side of halftime to post a 2-0 victory over Atlanta United on Saturday. Solignac scored in the 29th minute at Toyota Park following some good work from David Accam, and Nikolic scored his league-best 12th goal on a penalty kick in the 70th.
With the win over the expansion club, Chicago are now unbeaten in seven straight games. They remain in second place of the Eastern Conference, but are now just one point behind leaders Toronto FC.
Goals
Three Things
- IN BEHIND: The Chicago Fire's recipe for attacking success on Saturday was playing balls in behind Atlanta United's high line, which was beaten several times by through balls from midfield. David Accam and Nemanja Nikolic were the two catalysts in the Fire's ability to exploit the space in behind the Atlanta defense, and Chicago could have won by more had Accam been a little sharper with his passing and decision-making.
- LACKING KILLER INSTINCT: Atlanta United had their chances to find the back of the net despite starting the match without Miguel Almiron, but could not find their shooting boots. The expansion club finished with just two shots on target, even with forward Josef Martinez making his return from injury by coming off the bench in the second half.
- DEFENDING WELL: The Fire got back in the win column with Saturday's shutout triumph, and have now gone seven straight games without a loss. Their attacking unit has gotten much of the attention during this run, but the defense has also been very good. The back line has conceding just four times in this stretch while posting four clean sheets.
Next Up
- CHI: US Open Cup: Wednesday, June 14 – at St. Louis FC (8 pm ET)
- ATL: US Open Cup: Wednesday, June 14 – vs. Charleston Battery (7:30 pm ET)
