Chicago Fire FC VS Minnesota UTD FC - US Open Semis

The Fire and Minnesota United faced off in the semifinals of the Lamar Open U.S. Cup this past Tuesday at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota. As a member of The Bridgeport Pilsen Firm, I was excited to travel for my first away match with the supporters group! 

We took the public train just a few quick stops to the stadium and opted to visit The Black Hart Tavern before the match to tailgate—not only with many fellow Fire supporters, but also with some passionate Loons fans. 

Fire Supporters Coordinator Roberto helped us get situated for both the trip and the match. We were rewarded early with an explosive goal that had our section cheering through most of the first half. 

In the end, the Loons outlasted us, scoring late in the second half to send the match into extra time. Unfortunately, fatigue seemed to set in at that point, and the Fire conceded two more goals—knocking us out of the semifinals of the longest-standing annual soccer tournament in America. 

Despite the loss, the supporters—myself included—chanted long past the final whistle. After the match, several opposing fans even told us they could hear us "from everywhere in the stadium." It was a tough loss for the Fire, but the supporters groups continued to carry the flame.