Chicago Fire end winless run without Robert Lewandowski

Chicago Fire brought an end to a difficult run in MLS with an away victory over Charlotte FC, securing their first league win in more than two months while Robert Lewandowski was away on international duty with Poland.

First win since August

Gregg Berhalter's side had not won in the league since 20 August, when Lewandowski scored in a 2-1 away victory against Orlando City. From that point, Chicago went six straight MLS matches without finding a way back to winning form.

The trip to Charlotte therefore carried added significance. It was also the first match Chicago had played without Lewandowski, who is currently with the Poland national team. Charlotte had recently moved above the visitors in the MLS standings, underlining the challenge facing Berhalter's team at Bank of America Stadium.

Johan Gomez makes the difference

The decisive moment arrived in the 58th minute. After a scramble in the Charlotte penalty area, Johan Gomez reacted quickest and sent his finish beyond Kristijan Kahlina to put Chicago ahead.

It was a notable moment for the 25-year-old forward, who previously played for Eintracht Braunschweig. The goal was his first for Chicago Fire and came in only his fourth appearance for the club.

Charlotte push back but Fire hold on

Charlotte thought they had found a quick response, but Tyger Smalls saw his goal ruled out by the referee only moments after Gomez had opened the scoring.

The home side applied pressure late on, but Chicago held firm to protect their lead. In stoppage time, Charlotte's Tim Ream was shown a yellow card and then a red, capping a frustrating finish for the hosts.

For Chicago, the result ended a damaging sequence and offered a timely lift during Lewandowski's absence.

What it means in the standings

Chicago Fire are fifth in the MLS Eastern Conference with 42 points. Nashville SC lead the conference with 60 points, having lost only three times in 27 matches.

After the international break, Berhalter's team will face Vancouver Whitecaps, the leaders of the Western Conference, on 11 October.