New York City edge Chicago Fire as Lewandowski waits

Robert Lewandowski went into Chicago Fire’s trip to face New York City with the chance to score his first MLS goal, but the night developed into a difficult away test against a side that made key moments count.

Lewandowski under the spotlight again

The build-up centred on Lewandowski, who arrived in New York still waiting to open his MLS account. The source material also suggested the Poland forward could feel a sense of frustration after his previous outing, adding extra focus to his latest appearance for Chicago Fire.

That context made this fixture especially notable. Playing away to New York City was presented as a demanding assignment, and Chicago needed composure as well as attacking precision to get a result.

New York City strike first

The home side took the lead through Fernandez after a move that began with a delivery from the left. Chicago failed to clear decisively, and the loose ball broke kindly for the New York City player, who finished emphatically first time near the post.

It was the kind of goal that punished hesitation in the box, and it gave the hosts early control in a match where Chicago were already being asked to cope with pressure in an unfamiliar environment.

Chicago Fire respond before another twist

Chicago found a route back into the game from a dangerous ball into the area. The cross was helped on toward the far post, where Waterman arrived unmarked and converted from close range to bring the visitors level.

There were signs that Chicago could build on that moment. They won a free-kick near the touchline and tried to progress down the right, while New York City also had to deal with a few untidy passages, including appeals that came to nothing and an attacking move halted after the ball had already gone out of play.

Ojeda restores the home advantage

The decisive swing came after New York City won the ball in midfield. A grounded pass released Ojeda on the right, and he got ahead of his marker before finishing low across goal into the far corner to put the hosts back in front.

From there, Chicago continued to search for a way through, with Zinckernagel involved in one wide attack, but the final delivery was cut out. The visitors also had moments where promising moves broke down because of a lack of accuracy and understanding around the penalty area.

For Lewandowski, it meant another evening in which the wait for a first MLS goal went on. For New York City, it was a home performance built on sharp finishing in the key moments and enough resilience to regain control after being pegged back.