By Alejandro Guzmán
Chicago Fire FC rallied from a halftime deficit to defeat Santos Laguna 3-1 on Sunday at SeatGeek Stadium, remaining perfect in the 2026 Leagues Cup.
Santos took the lead in the 20th minute. Ezequiel Bullaude received the ball on the right side of the box and sent a low shot inside the far post to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.
Chicago had opportunities to level the match before halftime. Jonathan Bamba forced a save from Carlos Acevedo in the 34th minute, while Robert Lewandowski also had two chances that went over the crossbar.
The Fire made three substitutions at halftime, bringing on Sergio Oregel Jr., Philip Zinckernagel and Andrew Gutman.
Zinckernagel provided the equalizer in the 72nd minute, finishing from inside the box with his left foot to make it 1-1.
Chicago found the winning goal in the 90th minute. Anton Salétros delivered the assist, and Robin Lod finished from the center of the box to put the Fire ahead for the first time.
Three minutes later, Robert Lewandowski added another goal. Zinckernagel's shot was saved, but Lewandowski followed the rebound and scored from close range to complete the 3-1 comeback.
It was Lewandowski's third goal in three matches with Chicago Fire. He scored twice against Charlotte FC prior to the club’s Leagues Cup opener.
The defeat eliminated Santos Laguna from contention. The Laguneros will conclude their campaign against the Philadelphia Union on Thursday.
REACTIONS
- Chicago Fire Head Coach Gregg Berhalter
- “I was disappointed with the first half performance; the energy wasn't what it needed to be, and then in the second half it was flipped. We needed to get more structure in our attack... and then it's easy to defend.”
- “He’s [Robert Lewandowski] still in preseason mode but didn't want to come off the field... happy for his effort and happy he was able to last all 97 minutes.”
PLAYERS OF THE MATCH
- Chicago Fire
- Robert Lewandowski was named Man of the Match after scoring Chicago's third goal. He now has three goals in three appearances for the Fire.
GAME NOTES
- Chicago Fire improved to 2-0 in the 2026 Leagues Cup and are in good position to advance to quarterfinals.
- With this loss, Santos Laguna is eliminated from advancing to quarterfinals.
- Chicago has now scored two or more goals in seven of its last eight matches.
- Santos has only scored three goals and conceded 12 in its last five matches.
CARDS/INJURY REPORT
- Yellow Cards:
- Chicago Fire: Jack Elliott (78’), Joel Waterman (90'+5')
- Santos Laguna: Salvador Mariscal (28’), Ezequiel Bullaude (54’), José Abella (79’)
LOOKING AHEAD
- Chicago Fire: Aug. 13 vs. Cruz Azul
- Santos Laguna: Aug. 13 vs. Philadelphia Union
