Orlando City forward Benji Michel gives a thumbs-up to fans after scoring a goal against the Chicago Fire during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Associated Press
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Mason Stajduhar made a career-high five saves for his first MLS shutout, Benji Michel scored and Orlando City beat the Chicago Fire 1-0 on a rain-soaked Saturday night.
Orlando City (9-4-7) is unbeaten in its last five games. Chicago (5-11-5) is winless in 19 straight road games since a 5-2 victory at Orlando City in October 2019.
The 23-year-old Stajduhar has started each of the past five games - the only five appearances of his MLS career - in the place of injured Pedro Gallese, who returned to the Orlando City bench after a three-week absence but did not see action.
Gallese, who suffered a leg injury in the closing minutes of a loss to New York City FC on July 25, is expected to return to the starting lineup Friday night against Inter Miami.
Tesho Akindele stole the ball from Chicago defender Mauricio Pineda in the attacking third, poking it to Michel, who took two dribbles before driving a roller inside the post from the top of the penalty arc in the 51st minute.
The kickoff was delayed about 45 minutes because of heavy rain.
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Orlando City forward Benji Michel, right, gets a hug from forward Silvester van der Water after scoring a goal against the Chicago Fire during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Associated Press
Chicago Fire defender Carlos Teran (23) moves the ball past Orlando City midfielder Junior Urso, left, during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Associated Press
Chicago Fire defender Mauricio Pineda (22) and Orlando City midfielder Junior Urso almost collide during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Associated Press
Chicago Fire defender Carlos Teran (23) heads the ball to a teammate past Orlando City forward Tesho Akindele (13) during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Associated Press
Chicago Fire defender Francisco Calvo, lower right, passes the ball under Orlando City forward Silvester van der Water during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Associated Press
Chicago Fire midfielder Alvaro Medran, center, tries to move the ball between Orlando City defenders Emmanuel Mas, left, and Joao Moutinho during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Associated Press