Lewandowski scores first Chicago goals in Fire win

Robert Lewandowski said it was a "very important day" after scoring his first goals for Chicago Fire in a 2-1 victory, a performance that offered a timely response after a difficult opening spell in the United States.

A breakthrough night in Chicago

The Poland captain had endured a frustrating start, with two matches, two defeats and no goals before this latest outing. That early run had prompted disappointment among Polish supporters and pundits, even as voices in the United States urged patience and argued that time and sharper match rhythm would help him settle.

His first chance to play in front of home fans had originally been expected earlier, in the meeting with Vancouver Whitecaps, but that game was called off because smoke had polluted the air in the city. That left this appearance as his first proper introduction to the Chicago crowd.

Lewandowski made sure it was memorable. He scored twice and was decisive in securing Chicago Fire’s 2-1 win, giving the home support the kind of display they had been waiting for.

Lewandowski: A very important day

Speaking immediately after the match to Apple TV, Lewandowski stressed the wider significance of the result beyond his own contribution.

“For me it was a very important day. Not only for me, for the whole team, to win the match after two games that we didn’t win. Today it was important for us to gain a bit of confidence before the next match.”

He also suggested Chicago Fire had grown into the contest after an uncertain opening spell.

“I think apart from the first several minutes, we had control of the match and we tried to score. Of course we have to try to play better, but I think the way we play is really good.”

A lift before Necaxa

The result gives Chicago Fire a more positive platform as they prepare for their next fixture. Gregg Berhalter’s side are due to face Mexican club Necaxa in the Leagues Cup on 7 August.

For Lewandowski, the evening felt significant on several levels: his first goals, his first major moment in front of Chicago supporters and a win that may ease some of the scrutiny around his start. After a testing opening period, this was the kind of contribution expected from a player of his standing.

Whether it proves to be a turning point will become clearer in the coming matches, but Chicago Fire now head into the next test in better spirits, with their most high-profile forward up and running.