Chicago Fire: 3 Key Takeaways from the Montreal match

The Ugly

Hard to blame the ref for a team mistakes, but he didn’t exactly call the best game. Besides missing a 94th minute call for what could have been the game winning PK, he misappropriated a second yellow to Juninho.

Chicago Fire responded well to the Juninho red card, with their continued efforts leading to the Impact’s Carbrera’s eventual sending off roughly ten minutes later. Hopefully, that red card can be appealed to prevent Juninho from missing the Crew on Saturday.

As it is, Paunovic has a number of young options to turn to, should it be necessary. Matt Polster should be returning form injury, soon, and he or Drew Conner could slot in for Juninho.

Daniel Johnson subbed on after Michael de Leeuw’s hand was seemingly stepped on. I wouldn’t expect MDL to miss to any time, but all the same, DJ had a great showing late in the game and has certainly earned himself another look.

Nemanja Nikolic struggled to get any time on the ball. He opened up lanes for his teammates all game, but for the most part was not well utilized in the attack.

He is a hard worker and a quality footballer. Expect the team to learn how to better use his strengths in time.

Lucho Soilignac replaced him later in the half and did well with his opportunities. His pace was noted instantaneously by Schweinsteiger, who did well to find him on a few through balls eventually helping to draw a red card. Furthermore, Lucho’s game saving strike has to be a contender for MLS goal of the week.