Chicago Fire's Kellyn Acosta's Incredible Goal Seals Dramatic Comeback Win
A sensational goal from Kellyn Acosta, launched from inside his own half with the assistance of the wind, secured a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory for the Chicago Fire in a memorable Major League Soccer (MLS) showdown against CF Montréal on Saturday.
In a thrilling Major League Soccer (MLS) match on Saturday, the Chicago Fire secured a dramatic 4-3 home victory over CF Montréal with a remarkable goal from beyond the halfway line in the final minute of play.
Chicago faced a tough challenge when CF Montréal's Dominic Iankov increased their lead to 3-1 in the 70th minute. However, the game took a turn when Montréal's Raheem Edwards was shown a straight red card for a foul inside the penalty area, giving Chicago a chance to turn the tide.
Brian Gutiérrez scored a penalty in the 84th minute, cutting the deficit in half. Hugo Cuypers then equalized the score at 3-3 in the fifth of nine additional minutes, surprising Montréal.
The excitement continued as Chicago, determined to break the tie, pushed for a winning goal in stoppage time. With less than a minute left, it seemed that the home team's efforts might be fruitless when Kellyn Acosta gained possession of the ball in his own half.
With the Fire pushing players forward, the American midfielder sent the ball up the field, hoping for a miracle. The Windy City wind seemed to help as the ball swerved unexpectedly in the air. The Montréal defense was left stunned as Acosta's pass turned into a spectacular goal, looping over goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois in the 90+9th minute, securing a surprising win for Chicago.
Acosta wheels away celebrating after seeing his long-range strike drop into the back of the net.
Acosta wheels away celebrating after seeing his long-range strike drop into the back of the net.
Jamie Sabau/USA Today Sports/Reuters
After the game, Acosta described it as "pretty epic, pretty crazy." He felt that the match had a bit of everything but was happy with the result.
He confessed that his game-winning strike was unintentional, despite its remarkable nature.
"I was just trying to get the ball in the mixed zone and create some opportunities," he said. "I found some balls at the back post and honestly, that's what I was aiming for again.
This time, luck was on my side for St. Patrick's Day. The wind helped carry the ball, and at first, I thought I had missed my chance. But then I saw it had a shot."
Acosta scored his first goal for the club since joining as a free agent in February. It was a game-winning finish during regulation time of a Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season match, according to the Fire.
Chicago made history in MLS by scoring both a game-tying and game-winning goal in the 95th minute or later. They were also the first team to win a match in regulation after scoring two or more goals in the 84th minute or later.
Acosta is mobbed by his Fire teammates after completing the turnaround.
Acosta is mobbed by his Fire teammates after completing the turnaround.
Jamie Sabau/USA Today Sports/Reuters
A comeback like this is a rare sight in Chicago. The last time the Fire came back from a two-goal deficit to win was in August 2009 against the Colorado Rapids, as reported by the team.
This victory marked Chicago's first win of the season, while Montréal suffered its first defeat of the current campaign.
Editor's P/S:
The Chicago Fire's remarkable 4-3 victory over CF Montréal was a thrilling and unpredictable match that showcased the passion and determination of the players. Acosta's stunning goal from beyond the halfway line in the dying seconds of the game was a testament to his skill and the belief of the entire team. This victory is a significant milestone for the Fire, marking their first win of the season and demonstrating their resilience in the face of adversity.
The match also highlighted the importance of teamwork and never giving up. Despite falling behind early in the game, the Fire refused to surrender and fought back with unwavering determination. Gutiérrez's penalty and Cuypers' equalizer laid the groundwork for Acosta's heroic moment, proving that anything is possible with a never-say-die attitude. This victory serves as an inspiration for all teams, showing that with belief and hard work, even the most improbable comebacks can be achieved.
