Robert Lewandowski scored twice on his home debut as the Chicago Fire edged Charlotte FC 2-1 on Saturday, securing their first Major League Soccer victory since the international break. The win lifts the Fire to 9-6-2 (29 points) and narrows the gap with the Eastern Conference's top three clubs.
Lewandowski's quick response
Charlotte took the lead in the 18th minute through Pep Biel, who combined with Idan Toklomati before firing past Chicago goalkeeper Chris Brady. It was Biel's team-leading ninth goal of the season.
Lewandowski equalized just two minutes later, scoring his first goal for Chicago. Jonathan Bamba's through-ball found Philip Zinckernagel, whose header set up Lewandowski to fake a shot and slot home with his right foot past Kristijan Kahlina.
Second-half drama
Chicago pushed for the lead before halftime, with Zinckernagel setting up Robin Lod, but the Finnish midfielder couldn't convert from a tight angle. In the 56th minute, Lewandowski played a pinpoint ball to Zinckernagel, but the winger took too many touches and saw his shot deflected.
The winner came in the 68th minute when Andrew Gutman found Lod in transition, and Lod played Lewandowski in to beat Kahlina at close range. The former Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona striker now has two goals in two MLS appearances.
Messi returns in Miami draw
Lionel Messi returned to MLS action as a second-half substitute in Inter Miami's 2-2 draw with Columbus Crew. Luis Suárez scored his seventh goal in four games to put Miami ahead, but an own goal from Casemiro and a late free-kick from Brais Méndez on his Crew debut denied them victory.
In other results, Tai Baribo's 77th-minute strike capped a comeback from two goals down as DC United drew 2-2 with Nashville SC. Thomas Müller's penalty earned Vancouver Whitecaps a 1-1 draw with LAFC, and Brandon Bye scored the winner as Portland Timbers beat Seattle Sounders 2-1.
