Chicago Fire 2, San Jose Earthquakes 1 | 2018 MLS Match Recap

Alan Gordon's third goal in three matches came against one of his former teams, and the ageless veteran helped defensively with a bicycle-kick goal-box clearance to lead the Chicago Fire to a 2-1 win over the struggling San Jose Earthquakes Saturday at Toyota Park.

Gordon headed in Luis Solignac's looping cross in the 29th minute for his 59th career MLS goal. The Fire won their second game in the last five.

Aleksandar Katai tallied his fourth goal of the season in the 49th minute, but Chicago lost goalkeeper Patrick McLain before halftime to a right thigh injury. He had to be subbed out for Richard Sanchez in the 44th minute.

The Earthquakes made it 2-1 in the 74th minute on Danny Hoesen's seventh goal of the season, but couldn't get an equalizer. They lost left back Shea Salinas in the 14th minute to an injury.

San Jose is winless in four straight matches.

Goals

• 29' – CHI – Alan Gordon | WATCH
• 49' – CHI – Aleksandar Katai | WATCH
• 74'  – SJ – Danny Hoesen | WATCH

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: Alan Gordon. Again. The crafty veteran seems to be singlehandedly keeping the Fire relevant in the East. It remains to be seen, though, how serious McLain's injury is, as he has also been key to keeping the Fire close in matches. The Quakes showed some life with solid play from Vako and coming close to tying the match in the later minutes, but maybe better fortunes can be found in the U.S. Open Cup.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Katai had a nice goal and was close to another, and Sanchez held on in relief of McLain, but it was Gordon, who was close to scoring twice more in the game.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: Everyone knows Gordon can score. But in the 26th minute, he kept the game scoreless with an amazing clearance off the line. It was enough to draw his former team's ire. 

Next Up

• Fire: U.S. Open Cup — Wednesday, June 6 at Columbus Crew SC (7 pm ET)
• Quakes: U.S. Open Cup — Wednesday, June 6 at Portland Timbers (10:30 pm ET).