KISSIMMEE, FLA. — The Chicago Fire struggled to kick start their offense against the San Jose Earthquakes, falling 2-0 and extending uncertainty about their advancement to the knockout round of the MLS is Back tournament.
San Jose exploded out of the first whistle, forcing Chicago goalkeeper Kenneth Kronholm to make a diving save in the third minute of play.
The Earthquakes continued to pin Chicago back into its defensive third. The Fire rarely moved the ball into the San Jose half of the field, struggling at times to even clear the ball out from the backline.
Despite the wide spans of possession, however, the Earthquakes attack lacked teeth.