One of leagues most venerable teams were knotted up @ 84' with one yet to play an official MLS game. This preseason match was part of the Carolina Challenge Cup contested at MUSC Health Stadium. Unable to put away a number of opportunities in the opening stanza, just 8 minutes into the second they went up on a goal assisted by Nikolic scored by Katai. This was his 3rd in 4 preseason games as it came off a loss of possession deep in Cincinnati terrritory and the ball from Nemanja was played into space for him to put away. In the final 6 minutes the MLS newcomers drew level as Lamah struck from a distance. A total of 5 first half shots created 2 great times to take the lead by the Fire. At 29', Moreno beat the keeper only to have it cleared off the line. In the last 10' of the half, Martinez from far left struck one on net forcing the netminder into a diving save. Now at 0-2-0 in the Cup, following a 1-1 game with the Crew, Next up are the Charleston Battery on Sat. eve.
Kwik Kixx:
-Though the first time as MLS clubs, the Fire & Cincinnati met in the 2017 US Open Cup.
-With his 3rd goal of this preseason, Katai had his first in the Carolina Cup.
-3 Fire players got their first minutes of the year, Moreno, Cutjahr & Herbers.
-The FIre are no stranger to the CCC are now 2-3-0 overall in it.
-Chicago is now tied for 2nd in the Cup with the Crew.
-Fire tv crew, Dan Kelly & Frank Klopas got in their first work or the preseason.
-Former NY Cosmos playersm Emmanuel Ledesma started, getting 70'.