On June 10during an evening in which the Chicago Fire FC celebrated its annual Pride Nightthe home team fell to the Columbus Crew 2-1 at Soldier Field.
The result marked the Fire's first loss at home through nine league matches played this season.
As part of Pride Night, the team gave away stylized Progress Pride flags with the Fire emblem on them. Pride-related merchandise was for sale, with a portion of the sale proceeds benefiting Common Goal, a charity that helped inspire the Play Proud League, which brings together LGBTQA+ people of all skill levels that starts June 28. In addition, the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus sang the national anthem and Pride symbols were all over the stadium.
Regarding the game, it was tied 0-0 at halftime. The first goal of the match wouldn't come until the 59th minute, when Columbus captain Darlington Nagbe sent a pass to Mucho Hernandez, who managed to sneak the ball inside past Fire goalie Spencer Richey. The Fire's Xherdan Shaqiri scored in the 88th minute to tie things, but the Crew scored again during the second-half stoppage time to win.
Chicago next heads to Oregon to face the Portland Timbers at 9:30 p.m. CT on Wed., June 21 at Providence Park.
The NWSL's Chicago Red Stars also held Pride Night at home on June 10, with home being Bridgeview's SeatGeek Stadium.
However, the North Carolina Courage blasted the home team 5-0.
The first 1,000 fans received Chicago Red Stars Pride bandanas. There was also slated to be a drag story time with Aurora Divine while attendees learned about local LGBTQIA+ organizations. Fans could also stop by the Gate C Plaza to sign a special banner that the Red Stars front office will display during the Chicago Pride Parade later this month.
The loss ended the Red Stars' two-game win streak.
Following the match, Chicago celebrated midfielder Cari Roccaro, who played her 100th regular-season match against the Orlando Pride on May 27.
The Red Stars will next play the Kansas City Current on Wed., June 14, at Children's Mercy Park.
Andrew Davis