Chicago Fire thrashed San Jose Earthquakes 4-1 at Avaya Stadium, as reported by Chicago Fire official website. The visiting Chicago Fire had to rely on goals from Djordje Mihailovic (14'), Luis Solignac (40'), and Nemanja Nikolic (48', 65') to outplay San Jose Earthquakes and earned maximum points on the road. Veljko Paunovic's side controlled every facet of the game as they dominated possession and launched several offensive assaults on Earthquakes' half. The victory now makes Chicago Fire to control their playoff destiny clinching an Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs spot.
The Earthquakes is eighth with thirty-nine points, while Chicago Fire is fourth with fifty-one points. Here's a summary of this match.
San Jose Earthquakes outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Andrew Tarbell (6.18). Defender - Nick Lima (6.21), Florian Jungwirth (six points), Francois Affolter (5.71), Shea Salinas (6.21). Midfielder - Tommy Thompson (six points), Aníbal Godoy (6.27), Jackson Yueill (six points), Danny Hoesen (6.68). Forward - Marco Ureña (5.80), Chris Wondolowski (7.31). Used substitutes - Jahmir Hyka (6.32), Valeri Qazaishvili (7.17), Quincy Amarikwa (6.53).
Team's strength and weakness: Earthquakes created several goal scoring chances through individual efforts, through balls and set pieces.
However, they were weak at scoring.
Style of play: Chris Leitch's side held more possession on Chicago's half and had a high shot frequency when in possession.
Chicago Fire outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Richard Sánchez (7.68). Defender - Matt Polster (7.90), Johan Kappelhof (6.92), Jonathan Campbell (6.58), Brandon Vincent (6.43).
Midfielder - Dax McCarty (seven points), Djordje Mihailovic (7.45), Arturo Alvarez (7.47), Michael de Leeuw (7.90), Luis Solignac (8.22). Forward - Nemanja Nikolic (8.90). Used substitutes - Joao Meira (six points), Drew Conner (six points), Brandt Bronico (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Chicago Fire often stole the ball from Earthquakes players and went on to create goal bound opportunities from counter attacks, through balls, and set pieces.
They were solid in front of goal but gave away lots of free kicks around their half.
Style of play: Veljko Paunovic's side largely launched attacks through the middle and favored short passes.
Man of the match
Nemanja Nikolic was absolutely outstanding for Chicago Fire. He scored twice and completed thirty-five touches in the match.
Upcoming fixtures for both teams
San Jose Earthquakes will once again play at home against Portland Timbers on October 1, while Chicago Fire welcomes New York City FC the same day.
