In a thrilling encounter at SeatGeek Stadium, Chicago Fire FC secured a vital 3-1 victory against Santos Laguna in their Leagues Cup 2026 campaign. The team managed to turn the tide late in the match, overcoming a 1-0 deficit that had persisted for much of the game.

Late Comeback

Chicago found themselves trailing after Ezequiel Bullaude scored for Santos Laguna in the 20th minute, leaving the Fire struggling to find their rhythm for the first hour. However, the introduction of substitutes proved pivotal. MLS All-Star Philip Zinckernagel equalized in the 72nd minute, followed by Robin Lod, who netted the winning goal just before the final whistle in the 90th minute. Lod expressed satisfaction with the team's depth, stating, “The depth is showing. If guys get tired, we have players coming from the bench who can bring energy.” He emphasized the collective effort, noting, “It’s not one or two guys doing something special. It was an amazing team effort.”

Lewandowski's Impact

Robert Lewandowski, the Polish forward recently signed by Chicago, had a challenging match, missing two early opportunities. However, he redeemed himself in the dying moments, scoring in the 93rd minute to secure the win. Head coach Gregg Berhalter acknowledged Lewandowski's persistence, saying, “He had a couple chances, and he scored an amazing goal.” This late strike not only confirmed the victory but also highlighted Lewandowski's potential impact on the team as he continues to find his form.

Overall, the match showcased Chicago Fire's resilience and ability to perform under pressure, setting a positive tone for their Leagues Cup journey. With key players stepping up and a strong team dynamic, the Fire are looking forward to advancing further in the tournament.