Lewandowski’s Brace Secures Win Over Charlotte FC
Robert Lewandowski made a decisive impact in his home debut for the Chicago Fire on Saturday, scoring twice to secure a 2-1 victory over Charlotte FC. The result marks Chicago's first win since the conclusion of the recent international break, moving the club (9-6-2) closer to the top three teams in the Eastern Conference.
Charlotte FC opened the scoring in the 18th minute through Pep Biel, who netted his ninth goal of the season after a combination play with Idan Toklomati. Chicago responded quickly, as Lewandowski equalized just two minutes later, converting a setup from Philip Zinckernagel. The winning goal arrived in the 68th minute, with Lewandowski finishing a through ball from Robin Lod to beat Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.
MLS Weekend Roundup
Elsewhere in the league, Lionel Messi returned to action for Inter Miami in a 2-2 draw against the Columbus Crew. Luis Suárez and Noah Allen provided the goals for Miami, while Casemiro (own goal) and debutant Brais Méndez scored for Columbus.
Other notable results included:
- DC United 2-2 Nashville SC: Tai Baribo’s 77th-minute goal completed a second-half comeback for DC United.
- Vancouver Whitecaps 1-1 LAFC: Thomas Müller converted a 76th-minute penalty to equalize after Son Heung-min’s opener.
- Portland Timbers 2-1 Seattle Sounders: Brandon Bye’s 82nd-minute strike extended the Timbers' unbeaten run to four games and deepened the Sounders' losing streak to six matches.
The pitch at Soldier Field remained remarkably resilient under the summer heat, its blades standing in uniform, emerald rows that seemed to dampen the sharp, rhythmic clatter of boots during the transition play.
