Chicago Fire produced a commanding early performance on Sunday night, defeating the Portland Timbers 2-1 and ruining new head coach Martí Cifuentes’ first game in charge.
Dje D’Avilla was the standout performer on the night, contributing a goal and an assist inside the opening 14 minutes to put Chicago firmly in control.
The midfielder set up Robin Lod’s goal in the ninth minute, providing his second assist of the match in a bright and energetic opening spell from the Fire.
D’Avilla then got on the scoresheet himself just five minutes later, finding the net for the first time this season and giving Chicago a commanding 2-0 advantage.
Defender Andrew Gutman also contributed to Lod’s strike, registering his fourth assist of the season as Chicago’s attacking play flowed with real fluency and purpose.
Maren Haile-Selassie claimed his seventh assist of the campaign by teeing up D’Avilla’s goal, leaving him just one short of his career-high tally.
Portland did manage to pull a goal back late in proceedings, with defender Finn Surman heading home in the 85th minute to score his first career goal in 51 appearances.
Surman’s goal came from a Brandon Bye delivery, which earned Bye his third assist of the season, while second-half substitute Ariel Lassiter was credited with his fourth.
Chicago goalkeeper Chris Brady had little trouble on the night, finishing with just one save as the Fire kept Portland’s attacking threat largely subdued throughout.
James Pantemis was slightly busier between the sticks for Portland, stopping two shots as the Timbers struggled to find their rhythm under their new manager.
The result means Portland, now sitting at 7-9-3 on the season, suffered a difficult start to the Cifuentes era on what was also their first visit to Chicago in eight years.
Chicago, meanwhile, improved to 10-6-2 with the win, continuing what has been a strong and competitive campaign in MLS this season.
The post Dje D’Avilla Strikes Early To Power Chicago Fire Past Portland Timbers And Spoil Martí Cifuentes Debut appeared first on Gooner Daily.
