Hugo Cuypers scored in the second half to help the host Chicago Fire rally for a 1-1 draw against Orlando City on Wednesday.
The Fire (2-8-6, 12 points) have played to consecutive draws after a four-game losing streak yet remain winless in their past nine matches (0-5-4).
Orlando (4-6-5, 17 points) was held to one goal or fewer for a fourth straight match.
Facundo Torres gave Orlando a 1-0 lead in the fourth minute. Torres tried to corral a cross from Ivan Angulo but couldn’t maintain possession at the top of the 6-yard box. Luis Muriel got his foot on it as Chicago tried to clear, which led to a scramble in front. Angulo’s attempt was blocked and, after the Fire again failed to clear, Torres got his left foot on it to send it inside the far post.
The hosts started to generate more chances as the half progressed. In the 18th minute, Brian Gutierrez fired one from in front that forced Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese into a point-blank stop.
In the 21st minute, Cuypers came close to getting Chicago level but his attempt from near the spot just missed the left post.
In the 42nd minute, Federico Navarro weaved his way through Orlando’s defense for a chance toward the far post that Gallese got a piece of to deflect it.
Cuypers had another chance for the equalizer in the 67th minute off a turnover by Angulo. Maren Haile-Selassie collected the loose ball on the attacking side of midfield and fed Cuypers at the top of the box, but defender David Brekalo blocked Cuypers’ shot.
The Belgian finally connected to tie it 1-1 in the 70th minute. Defender Arnaud Souquet pinched down the left flank to send a pass to Cuypers for a quick one-touch shot into the near side.
–Field Level Media
