Chicago got the upper hand in its sporting rivalry with St. Louis as the Fire took a 1-0 win over St. Louis FC in a Fourth Round Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match before a 5,786 crowd at Toyota Stadium Wednesday night.
Saint Louis threatened early as Jose Angulo missed an open goal in the second minute and was off target with a 5th minute header.
Luis Solignac made the difference with a tricky, back-kick chip that rainbowed into the back corner of the goal in the 27th minute off a cross from left back Brandon Vincent.
.@LuchoSoli how on earth❓❓❗️
WHAT A GOAL to put #cf97 in front!! #USOC2017 pic.twitter.com/KnFXMWnBNH
— Chicago Fire (@ChicagoFire) June 15, 2017
St. Louis remained in contention due to first class saves on counterattacks from Adam Grinwis, until Dragan Stojkov received his second yellow in the 81st minute, Chicago then shutting the game down.
“Congrats to St. Louis on a great performance today,” Chicago coach Veljko Paunovic said. “They really pushed very hard to tie and win the game but also we have to be proud of our performance in the end.
“I think the mentality that we had, especially in the second half, I think helped the team forge the character that we have this year.”
Said St. Louis’ coach Preki: “Ever since I came here I’ve been telling these guys they have an incredible quality.
“So, when we bring that level of intensity, the level of commitment, when we bring our ideas to the game, I think we’re a good team.
“And I can’t say anything more than I’m incredibly proud of our group tonight. We left everything on the field.”