Chicago Fire Defeat Charlotte 4-1, Extend Unbeaten MLS Streak

Brian Gutiérrez led the Chicago Fire to a 4-1 victory over Charlotte FC, scoring two goals and providing an assist in the match. Jonathan Bamba opened the scoring for Chicago in the 42nd minute, with Gutiérrez and Philip Zinckernagel adding goals in the second half to establish a strong lead. Patrick Agyemang scored for Charlotte, which suffered its fifth consecutive MLS loss and conceded four goals at home for the first time in club history. Chicago outshot Charlotte 25-12, including 10 shots on goal to Charlotte's five, and improved their unbeaten streak to three games. The Fire now hold a 5-4-4 record with 19 points and will face New England in the U.S. Open Cup round of 16, followed by a league game against New York City. Charlotte, also with 19 points but a 6-7-1 record, will play D.C. United in the U.S. Open Cup before returning to MLS action against Columbus.