BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. — Chicago Fire FC staged a dramatic comeback to secure a vital victory in their Leagues Cup 2026 campaign, overcoming Santos Laguna in a thrilling match at SeatGeek Stadium.

Late Game Surge

After falling behind to Santos Laguna for nearly an hour, Chicago's chances of advancing to the quarterfinals appeared bleak. Ezequiel Bullaude had given Santos the lead just 20 minutes into the match, and the visitors maintained control for much of the first half. However, the Fire's substitutes played a pivotal role in turning the tide. MLS All-Star Philip Zinckernagel equalized in the 72nd minute, followed by Robin Lod, who scored the decisive goal in the 90th minute.

“The instruction was just to bring energy and bring your own qualities,” Lod said. “The depth is showing. If guys get tired, we have players coming from the bench who can bring energy.”

Lewandowski's Impact

Despite a challenging night where he missed two early opportunities, Robert Lewandowski ultimately made his mark in the 94th minute. With the Fire leading 2-1, the Polish forward capitalized on a rebound to secure the victory, ensuring Chicago's advancement in the tournament.

“Robert’s still in his preseason mode, and he’s a guy that didn’t want to come off the field and had to be persistent,” head coach Gregg Berhalter remarked. “He had a couple chances, and he scored.”

With this impressive team effort, Chicago Fire FC demonstrated resilience and determination, showcasing their potential as they continue their journey in the Leagues Cup.