In what has been a tough season for the Chicago Fire, reaching the semifinal for the U.S. Open Cup has to be a positive. The Fire have struggled with the likes of Mike McGee, Patrick Nyarko and David Accam, all being out at sometime during the season. Missing players were part of the problem with a Fire team that just couldn't seem to score. But they started off quickly with a goal within five minutes.
Jon Busch, who got the start over Sean Johnson in goal, sent a long ball that seem destined to go keeper-to-keeper, but Patrick Nyarko was on the end of it just in front of the box. Nyarko walked in and slotted it into the far corner to give the Fire a crucial 1-0 lead. For a team that struggles to score on offense, a goal inside five minutes is just what they needed. The Fire came out blazing and Chicago almost took a 2-0 lead when Shaun Maloney's free kick was tipped over the bar. The half ended with minimal chances for Orlando City, as their best chance was when Pedro Ribiero's header went just wide of the post.
But Orlando City got back in the game in the second half when Cyle Larin found himself free for a header in the 56th minute. It was a simple play as Rafael Ramos made the initial run to break down the Fire defense on the right side. It seemed to be deja vu for the Fire, as the last time Orlando City came to Chicago they let a 1-0 slip away as Orlando City scored two second half goals to win 2-1. But this was different for Chicago.
Once again, David Accam proved to be a super sub for the Chicago Fire. Accam's pace provided to be a vital spark as Chicago pushed for a late winner. After winning a ball in his own half in the 87th minute, Matt Watson sprung Accam down the left side and he was off to the races. His shot from inside the box rang off the inside off the post but the ball fell kindly to Kennedy Igboananike who didn't miss the open net. It was a crucial goal for the Fire not just for this game, but for their season. It was also a crushing goal to give up for Orlando.
Pushing for a late equalizer, Orlando went on an all out attack. But then a cleared ball by Chicago saw Igboananike on a breakway. He rounded the keeper and his shot rang right under the crossbar to give the game to Chicago.
In what was a tough game, it had to be relieving for the Fire to see them come out of it on top. They have lost close games this season and it had to be a relief for Frank Yallop to see his side come out on top for once. Chicago will now face the Philadelphia Union for a spot in the U.S. Open Cup Final.