Chicago Fire vs Club América: summary: score, goals, highlights | Leagues Cup
Chicago Fire vs Club America: As it happened
Club America booked their place in the Round of 16 with a Leagues Cup victory over the Chicago Fire.
The Liga MX side came into the fixture as favourites but suffered a major loss in the warm up when talismanic striker Henry Martin picked up an injury and was ruled out.
Despite that setback America took the impetus from the start and dominated the ball in the early stages. As the half wore on Chicago managed the odd foray forward, but they were few and far between.
The first 20 minutes of the second half passed without incident but the game burst into life on the 64th minute. Chicago striker Przybylko missed an open goal at one end and within moments America had gone up the other end and scored.
The breakthrough came from a teasing cross from Zendajas, which was turned into his own net by Gimenez. In the chaos, Chicago keeper Brady picked up an injury and had to be substituted.
Chicago, spurred on by the the passing of Shaqiri and the dynamism of Gutierrez, staged a late rally but never really looked like forcing their way back into the game.
A late red card for Sanchez will be the only disappointment for America, but they are safely through to face Nashville SC in the Round of 16.
Who will Club America play in the Leagues Cup Round of 16?
Tonight's victory over Chicago Fire ensured Club America's progression to the Round of 16, but who will they face?
In the last few minutes Nashville SC pulled off one of the shocks of the round, beating MLS Supporters Shield leader Cincinnati FC. Nashville took the game to penalties and won 5-4 from the spot.
Las Aguilas progress to the Round of 16
It wasn't pretty but Andre Jardine's side are through in the Leagues Cup. The crucial goal came courtesy of Gaston Gimenez, the Chicago midfielder poking the ball into his own net under extreme pressure.
Phew, what a game.
It wasn't the most aesthetically pleasing but the final 30 minutes had absolutely everything. Missed chances, penalty appeals, a red card and that all-important goal that sends Club America through.
Peeep peeep peeeep
Full time in Chicago and Club America manage to close it out.
It's a slightly bizarre ending to the game as the referee blows for full time as bottles rain down from the stands.
America are through to the Round of 16 in the Leagues Cup.
More tempers frayed in the final seconds as Pineda hauls down Quinones as he skips past him on the left wing. The America forward wins the foul but he shoves the Chicago defender in frustration.
A booking apiece for both parties.
Good work from Does Santos in the middle of the pitch to win America a free kick in the final minutes. The Liga MX side take there time with the taking of it...
So close! Chicago
The long throw nearly pays off! Souquet was there to meet it but his glancing header bounces agonisingly wide of the far post. America survive!
What can the Fire muster now? Teran prepares to launch a big throw into the box...
Sanchez (Club America)
More late drama!
Sanchez is dismissed for a late foul on the impressive Gutierrez. There was no hesitation from the referee after the America midfielder planted his stud on the youngster's knee.
The visitors down to ten men for the finale.
Chance! America
That could have settled it!
Quinones is set through on goal and the America forward does brilliantly to power his way into the penalty box. He lets fly but his right footed shot is fired into the outer side netting and Chicago survive.
It could be more than seven additional minutes.
Just as the clock ticks to 90 minutes a shirtless America fan charges onto the pitch to get a selfie with one of the players.
That interruption is followed by two copy-cats who also take to the field.
Seven minutes' added time
There's a minimum of seven minutes remaining in Chicago, can the hosts find an equaliser?
Shaqiri is now one of the deepest players in a Chicago shirt, almost dropping between the central defenders to pick up the ball. America are managing to keep him from dictating the play and he's limited to short passes on the halfway line.
One minute of normal time remaining.
Zendajas is off for America, replaced by the experienced Fuentes for the final minutes.
A booking for Souquet after the Chicago man kicks out in frustration after losing the ball on the halfway line. There can't be long left now, and Chicago know it.
A yellow mist is spreading across the pitch as Club America fans get the pyrotechnics out for the big finale.
Chicago are back on the attack, Gutierrez once again dribbling through the midfield.
He loses the ball with a lose pass and America get a chance to slow the game down. Can they kill this game or is there another chance for the hosts?
Into the final ten minutes of normal time now and gaps are starting to appear in the Chicago defence. The running of Quinones is starting to cause real problems for Chicago and you sense that a second goal is coming in this game.
But who for?
A lovel through ball from Alvarez finds Fidalgo running through on the Chicago goal. He looks to whip a low ball across to Suarez but he overhits his pass and it goes out for a goal kick.
Nearly an opening for Chicago as left back Navarro bulldozes his way into the America box, taking it as far as the goalkeeper. He goes down under a challenge but had already lost control of the ball and it bounces into the arms of Malagon.
America continue to dominate the ball but they are struggling to make a clear-cut chance to help them finish the game off.
This could be when the absence of Henry Martin becomes particularly apparent. The pre-match injury to the reigning Liga MX top scorer has robber America of their cutting edge, and it has shown at points tonight.
The goal could have been a killer for Chicago but the hosts have responded well to the set back. Shaqiri is continuing to get on the ball and Gutierrez looks dangerous.
First touch for Richey in the Chicago goal. The backup takes no chances and punts the ball forward, allowing America to regain possession.
The noise in the SeatGeek Stadium has soared since the goal.
And so, around seven minutes after the goal was scored, Chicago get the game restarted from the centre.
It's been a tough last few minutes for the hosts: missing an open goal; conceding an own goal; and having to substitute the goalkeeper.
Let's see what they can muster.
It was Gaston Giminez who turned the ball into his own net for America's opener tonight. There was not much that he could do, it was a teasing ball across the six-yard box.
Yep, confirmation that Brady is off for the Chicago Fire. It's back-up keeper Richey to replace him for the final 25 minutes.
It's all happening now. Chicago keeper Brady stayed down after the goal and looks like he'll have to be substituted.
This is far from ideal for the hosts, let's see how they respond.
GOOOAAAL! Club America
We have a breakthrough! America take the lead after a Chicago defender accidentally boots the ball into his own net.
It looks like it was Navarro.
That chance came courtesy of two Chicago substitutes who combine within seconds of entering the fray.
Haile-Selassie and Przybyłko have just been brought on. It was the former who crossed for the latter, but there was no dream start here.
SO close! Chicago
Incredible, how on earth have Chicago not taken the lead there??
Przybyłko has just come on as a sub and, with his first touch, misses from two yards with the goal gaping. Astonishing.
Chicago defender Pineda connects well with the ball on the edge of the six-yard box but is unable to angle his header down. It flies over for a goal kick.
Brilliant play from Shaqiri, conducting the play from deep and getting Dean forward on the right wing. The full back looks to deliver but his cross is deflected for a corner.
Let's see what Shaqiri can muster...
Chance! Suarez
The America forward finds himself in space on the edge of the box but he drags his effort wide of the box. That doesn't stop him furiously claiming a corner.
It's easily cleared by America but Doumbia wins it back in the middle of the pitch.
Chicago look to mount another attack but they soon lose the ball and end up fouling to prevent the break away.
Nearly an hour into this Leagues Cup clash, still goalless.
Chicago win a corner after a strong run from Doumbia.
Shaqiriri to take...
Huge moment! Big calls for a penalty for America as Chicago defender Teran blocks a goal-bound effort inside the box. There's quick VAR check and the video official agrees.
America win a corner but the ball is claimed easily by Brady.
America are back on the offensive and Sanchez has three good opportunities to deliver the ball with quality into the box. On all three occasions he fails to find the necessary delivery and the ball bounces out for a goal kick.
As the game goes on Shaqiri is dropping deeper to collect the ball and playing more of a 'quarterback' role for Chicago. He's moving further away from goal but is managing to get on the ball more frequently.
Shaqiri lofts a neat ball over the America backline for Gutierrez, who collides with an America defender. The chance comes to nothing but that's more promising work from Chicago.
If Shaqirir's on-ball quality can find Gutierrez in space, Chicago will cause problems.
America on the break now with Quinones but, Teran is on hand to capture the ball.
It's a more proactive start from Chicago than anything we saw in the first half. Gutierrez gets on the ball again and slaloms in-field but America have enough back to reclaim possession.
A better start from the hosts.
And we're back in Chicago!
Chicago Fire get us underway for the second half at the SeatGeek Stadium.
The hosts have had very little of the ball in the America half but they have been resolute in their defending, managing to get bodies back in time. They will want to improve their on-ball quality in the second half; Chicago had just 26% of the possession in the opening 45.
Peep peeep peeeeep
That's all we've got time for in the first half.
Plenty of possession for Club America but no breakthrough yet. Chicago will probably be the happier of the two sides at the break.
Close! Chicago
Nearly an astonishing end to the half as Chicago hit the bar with the final play!
A lofted cross from Shaqiri picks out Gutierrez at the far post and the youngster's header hits the crossbar from a tight angle!
Brilliant work from America's Fidalgo who picks up the ball on the left and darts inside. He skips past a weary Chicago tackle and gets a shot away, but there's another body there to block the shot.
Two minutes of added time. Can Chicago see it out?
An opening for Koutsias on the left as he sprints clear down the flank. He takes a little too long on the ball and is eventually pushed wide, forcing him to take a wild shot that clatters into the side netting.
That's the first moment of note for the Chicago striker.
Club America keep on coming, clearly eager to find a break through before the break.
It's Alvarez again, stepping forward from right back, to fire in a low shot from range. Brady palms the ball out but is quickly on his feet to gather the loose ball.
Clever player from Alvarez to slip the ball between the Chicago central defenders, but Quinones is not on the same wavelength and the ball is easily cleared.
Close! Chicago
Finally a sight of goal for the hosts.
More good play from Gutierrez gets the Fire forward down the left flank and he sweeps the ball across to Shaqiri on the right.
There's only one thing in Shaqiri's mind as he shifts the ball onto his left and fires a shot at goal. His 25-yard effort is well struck but flies wide of the post.
Still 0-0.
VAR: No goal
A final decision from the video referee, the goal will not stand.
It was a really marginal one but the officials rule that the goal will not stand. America keep pushing to break the deadlock.
Goooooaa... NO!
Quinones sprints clear and rounds the goalkeeper to slot the ball into an empty net. The flag goes up immediately, but it's very close...
Chance! America
Room for Quinones to force his way towards goal but his pass to Alvarez is a little behind the midfielder and the attack loses momentum.
America keep the ball and Dos Santos finds Reyes on the left flank, who dinks in a brilliant ball to the back post. Zendayas wins the header but the ball bounces harmlessly wide.
Shaqiri wins the ball on the edge of the America box and looks to get his team on the offensive straight away. He plays a sharp one-two in the middle of the pitch but fails to control the return, allowing America to sweep up the loose ball.
Free kick for Chicago on the halfway line as Gutierrez is felled. The youngster hasn't seen much of the ball but he's looked confident so far, one of the rare bright spots for the hosts.
A lofted ball from Dos Santos finds Quinones sprinting through on goal, but the America forward can't quite reach it.
That's the first time that the big forward has lost his man.
Xherdan Shaqiri goes down softly on the halfway line and appears to have lost the ball, until the referee finally blows his whistle to award the foul.
This could be a chance for Chicago to take a breath now.
What is going on!? Chicago look to play out from the back and lose the ball inside their own half. For a second Quinones looks to be in on goal, but he is felled by a rather clumsy tackle from Pineda.
America scream penalty, the referee says no.
Speaking of atmosphere!
The referees gets his cards out to book Alvarez and Navarro after a minor spat near the touchline. A yellow card apiece lets see how that little battle develops.
The noise in the SeatGeek Stadium have only increased as the game has worn on. America's positive start has got the Mexican support going but it is the Chicago section, complete with multiple drums, that is making most of the noise at the moment.
The atmosphere is among the best that we're seen in the Leagues Cup so far.
Shaqiri loses the ball inside his own half and Club America break forward once again. Chicago win the ball back but give it up again almost immediately as Brady punts the ball out of play under little pressure.
It's been a pretty low quality start from Chicago, but the score remains 0-0.
Chicago are showing a little more intent out of possession now, looking to press the America backline on the ball. It seems to be working, America are struggling to get out of their own half.
Close! America
So nearly an opener for America.
Alvarez gets the ball in some space on the right and floats a lovely ball into the box, aiming for the onrushing Quinones. Fortunately for Chicago, Pineda has tracked the run and is able to get a foot to the ball first.
The corner is headed clear and Chicago have a chance to regroup.
For America, it's Quinones who has taken Henry Martin's spot at the point of the attack. Zendayas has started on the right and Suarez on the left, although both have a license to drift across the frontline.
Ten minutes in and Chicago are finally getting a touch of the ball. They manage a handful of passes along the backline before pumping the ball aimlessly forward.
Xherdan Shaqiri, the Chicago captain, is not impressed to see his side lose possession once again.
Corner for America now...
It's been a hectic start in Chicago, where the hosts have looked panicked and slightly overawed by the occasion. America have shown a patience and a calmness in possession that Chicago have not yet managed.
A chaotic spell of play in the Chicago box as Navarro takes too long on the ball and loses it cheaply. America manage to work some space for a shot from distance but goalkeeper Brady is equal to it.
A neat passage of play from the Fire who find Navarro in space on the left flank. The blonde-haired winger has plenty of time to angle his cross but the ball flies harmlessly across the face of goal.
First sign of attacking intent from the hosts.
Poor play from Chicago who fail to clear their lines on two occasions in their own penalty box. They eventually get it cleared but only manage to find a yellow shirt, and America are back on the ball.
It's a composed start by Club America, who have dominated the ball in the opening moments. Chicago are clearly willing to cede possession against the Liga MX side and will be hoping to catch them on the break.
And we're off
Huge roar from all inside the SeatGeek Stadium as we get started in Chicago.
We're nearly ready to go in Chicago!
The stands are packed, fairly evenly with supporters from Chicago and Club America, and the atmosphere is tasty.
The players are on the pitch, let's go...
Huge Club America presence in Chicago
There are few places outside of Mexico City where Club America are as adored as they are in Chicago. That support are making themselves heard in the SeatGeek Stadium as we prepare for kick-off.
Will the America fans help to swing the game in the Mexican side's favour? We're about to find out...
Alex Zendejas drafted in to replace Henry Martin
Confirmation here that it will be Alex Zendejas to take Martin's place in the starting XI. It was a very late call from the Club America coaching team, Martin was included in the team initially but the Mexican forward picked up an injury in the warm up.
Henry Martin misses out for Club America
Huge breaking news from Chicago as Henry Martin - Club America's captain and offensive talisman - is forced to drop out of the starting XI due to injury.
No details yet about the nature of that injury but we do expect that Quinones will take his place as the centre forward.
Kickoff approaching in Chicago
Club America go into tonight's game as the slight favourites, despite being the away side Chicago have not had the most successful season so far and are currently playing under a caretaker coach.
America may also be bolstered by the strong Mexican contingent in the windy city. We're expected plenty of yellow shirts in the SeatsGeek Stadium this evening.
Club America starting XI confirmed
With less than half an hour to go until kick-off at the SeatGate Stadium, we finally have team news for Club America!
Here's the team: Malagon – Reyes Chavez, Caceres, Reyes, Alvarez – Fidalgo, Dos Santos, Sanchez – Quinones, Martin, Suarez
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While we're waiting for Club America to confirm their starting XI for tonight's game, let's take a look at how new coach Andre Jardine has looked to play since taking over last month.
Jardine was a late appointment after weeks of searching for a permanent head coach, but the new America boss is not short of ambition.
Speaking to broadcaster TUDN recently, Jardine said: “Finding the balance between attacking and defending is always a very fine adjustment."
"If you think about the coaches who have managed to achieve it, their teams are reliable, consistent and that’s what we are looking for and hoping to instil in a short time”.
Here's the Chicago Fire starting XI for tonight's game
Chicago Fire caretaker manager Frank Klopas has made four changes to the team that drew with Puebla in the final group stage game of the Leagues Cup.
Xherdan Shaqiri will captain the side, playing just behind Georgios Koutsias. The 19-year-old Greek forward signed for Chicago from PAOK earlier this year.
Club America arrive at the SeatGeek Stadium
Here they are, Andre Jardine's Club America are in Chicago for tonight's game and look relaxed as they head into the 28,000 capacity SeatGeek Stadium.
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There's a little over an hour to go until kick-off in the Leagues Cup tie between Chicago Fire and Club America, one of the final games of a thrilling set of Round of 32 fixtures.
The revamped Leagues Cup now includes all teams from both MLS and Liga MX. The MLS clubs have home advantage for this year's tournament, but it is fair to say that they have outperformed expectations against Mexican opposition.
Mexican fans out in full force
Club America boast one of the most fervent and most committed supports in Mexico and Las Aguilas fans are making their presence known in Chicago ahead of tonight's game. This year's Leagues Cup is being held exclusively in MLS stadiums, meaning that Liga MX sides are at a slight disadvantage.
Nevertheless, America fans in attendance tonight will be eager to make themselves heard.
Tonight is the final evening of action from the Leagues Cup Round of 32 and we have some thrilling fixtures to bring the first knockout round to a close.
The game between Chicago Fire and Club América will be played at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT and viewers from around the world can tune in to watch all the action live. Here's everything you need to know...
It's nearly showtime!
There's little more than 90 minutes to go until kick-off at the SeatGeek Stadium in Chicago where the Fire will host Club America. Not only are they two of the most iconic clubs in Concacaf football, tonight's teams also feature two of the most potent attacking talents on the continent.
Former Liverpool and Bayern Munich forward Xherdan Shaqiri has become a real talisman for Chicago; while America boast the reigning Liga MX top goalscorer, Henry Martin.
Good evening and welcome to AS USA, where we will be bringing you live coverage of Chicago Fire vs Club America.
I'm Will Gittins and I will be providing the minute-by-minute coverage of this Leagues Cup Round of 32 clash.
Can Chicago continue MLS' great record in this tournament, or will the Mexican giants prove too strong? Stay tuned to find out...