MLS: Top 3 performances from midweek slate
By Matt Coles
2. Chicago Fire
The Chicago Fire smashed five first-half goals against Atlanta United in a tremendous display of attacking prowess. CJ Sapong, like Elis, scored twice, as the Fire dismantled the ten-man reigning MLS Cup Champions.
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All five of Chicago’s goals came in the first half, with three of those being scored in the opening 15 minutes as the Five Stripes went down to ten men early on. Francisco Calvo opened the scoring for the Fire before Sapong got his first of the night just seven minutes in.
After Leandro Gonzalez Pirez was sent off for handball, Nicolas Gaitan scored from the spot to make it 3-0, the home side enjoying their man advantage. Sapong then scored his second to make it 4-0 with a lovely finish, before Fabian Herbers made it five before the break.
Despite a Brandon Vazquez penalty in the second half, the Fire took a resounding victory and moved them to within a point of the playoff places in the East.