Lewandowski helps Chicago Fire reach Leagues Cup last eight

Robert Lewandowski’s strong run in a Chicago Fire shirt continued as the MLS side booked a place in the Leagues Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought win over Cruz Azul. The Poland forward had a headed goal ruled out early in the second half, but still made an important contribution in a match that could shape Fire’s hopes of reaching the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Another big night for Lewandowski and Chicago Fire

Chicago came into the tie in encouraging form, with Lewandowski carrying momentum from recent matches in MLS and Leagues Cup. The meeting with Cruz Azul carried added weight, with progress in the competition keeping Fire in the race for a place in the region’s top club tournament.

At SeatGeek Stadium, Lewandowski started and was involved from the opening stages. He threatened from an early set-piece, forcing Kevin Mier into action, and remained a focal point for Chicago’s attacking play throughout the first half. Fire repeatedly looked to find him with deliveries into the box, and one of his best openings arrived when he rose to meet a cross from Anton Saletros, only to send his effort narrowly wide.

The Polish striker also had to deal with close attention from Cruz Azul’s defenders. On one occasion he was caught while receiving the ball and the referee responded by showing a yellow card to the visiting side. Even so, Lewandowski continued to link play and offer a target, finishing the first half with tidy distribution and one key pass in an evenly contested game.

Disallowed goal and a decisive attacking role

Lewandowski thought he had made the breakthrough soon after the restart. Once again attacking a cross, he climbed well and headed home, only for the effort to be ruled out for a foul on Willer Ditta. The decision cut short his celebrations and ensured the contest remained level.

Cruz Azul then wasted a major chance after a Chicago defensive error, failing to make the most of a promising attack. Fire eventually punished that miss just after the hour mark. Lewandowski was involved in the move inside the penalty area, with the ball appearing to be intended for him before it ran through into a better position for a team-mate. The attack continued and 22-year-old Puso Dithejane applied the finish.

Although Lewandowski was denied a goal of his own, his movement and presence were central to the sequence that finally gave Chicago the lead.

Quarter-final place secured

Lewandowski’s night ended after 68 minutes, by which point he had again offered quality in possession and helped accelerate several attacks. Cruz Azul later found an equaliser through Nicolas Ibanez after a move that was checked for a possible offside, but Chicago still had the final word.

Fire struck in the last action of the match on the counterattack to seal victory and confirm their place in the quarter-finals. For Chicago, it was a significant step in a competition that offers a route into the CONCACAF Champions Cup. For Lewandowski, it was another performance that underlined his influence, even on a night when a well-taken header did not stand.

• Chicago Fire advanced to the Leagues Cup quarter-finals
• Robert Lewandowski had a headed goal disallowed
• Puso Dithejane scored for Chicago during the game
• Nicolas Ibanez scored for Cruz Azul