Hassli scores twice as Fire falls 4-2

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Eric Hassli scored twice and the Vancouver Whitecaps defeated the Chicago Fire 4-2 in a battle of last-place teams Sunday.

Hassli scored in the opening minute then drove home a rebound off a Camilo free kick in the 71st. Gershon Koffie scored his first MLS goal and Camilo added his seventh of the season for Vancouver.

Koffie’s goal in the 24th minute put the Whitecaps back in front after Dominic Oduro had tied it 1-1. Orr Barouch also scored for the Fire.

Vancouver’s third victory of the season ended a six-game winless streak dating to June 18, while the Fire has 2 losses and 6 ties in its last eight games, last having won June 12.

The Whitecaps (3-11-9) are last in the Western Conference, while the Fire (2-7-13) are at bottom in the Eastern Conference.

Hassli blasted an uncontested shot from the top of the penalty arc that gave goalkeeper Sean Johnson no chance.

The goal resulted from a pass into space from Whitecaps defender Jordan Harvey. Chicago defender Yamith Cuesta misplayed a chance to cut the ball off and Hassli ran on to it with nobody between him and Johnson.

Hassli’s second goal was his 10th of the season and moved the big French forward into third place in league scoring.

Oduro equalized in the 23rd minute when he ran on to Sebastian Grazzini’s through ball. Splitting two defenders, he beat Whitecaps goalie Jay Nolly from short range.

He had another opportunity late in the first half, but couldn’t control a ball in the penalty area.

Camilo made it 3-1 in the 48th minute when the Brazilian striker turned two defenders after gathering in Shea Salinas’s pass at the top of the penalty area.

Nolly preserved the two-goal lead in the 59th minute when he got a hand on a close-in chance by Barouch, a second-half substitute.