Major League Soccer
New York Red Bulls Held to Draw by Chicago Fire After Late Equaliser
C. Harper's 85th-minute strike salvaged a 1-1 draw for the visitors at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
A late strike from C. Harper earned Chicago Fire a 1-1 draw against New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison. The visitors took the lead in the 38th minute through M. Haile-Selassie, who converted a pass from V. Radojevic to give Chicago Fire the advantage heading into the break. Despite trailing at halftime, New York Red Bulls pressed forward in the second half and were rewarded in the 85th minute when Harper, assisted by E. M. Choupo-Moting, levelled the scoreline with a well-taken effort. The result left both sides with a point apiece, though it did little to boost New York Red Bulls' position in the Eastern Conference. Referee Sergii Demianchuk kept a tight rein on proceedings, handing three yellow cards across the match. Chicago Fire's L. Barroso and J. Waterman were both cautioned in the first and second halves respectively, while New York Red Bulls' M. Sofo picked up a late booking. The draw moves Chicago Fire up to third in the Eastern Conference on 36 points from 20 games, while New York Red Bulls remain eighth with 26 points from 21 matches. For Chicago Fire, the point extends their unbeaten run and keeps them firmly in the playoff picture. New York Red Bulls, meanwhile, will rue their slow start and the missed opportunities in the final third. The result means both sides head into their next fixtures with renewed confidence, though the Red Bulls will need to address their defensive frailties if they hope to climb the table.