Fire fall to NYCFC, eliminated from MLS postseason play

Posted October 21, 2023 1:00 am

NEW YORK - Julián Fernández scored in the second half to lead New York City FC to a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire in a regular-season finale on Saturday that saw both teams eliminated from MLS postseason play.

Fernández's second goal of the season for NYCFC (9-11-14) came in the 64th minute with an assist from Santiago Rodríguez.

Matt Freese totaled four saves for NYCFC. Chris Brady saved three shots for Chicago (10-14-10).

NYCFC has now won eight straight at home against the Fire, improving to 8-0-2 all-time. NYCFC failed to win 10 matches in a season for the first time since joining the league nine years ago.

Neither team had a player score double-digit goals. NYCFC had never had its leader score fewer than 13 goals through its first seven full seasons. The Fire have not had a player score at least 10 goals in three straight seasons.

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