The Chicago Fire had to play 22 minutes a man down in overtime and overcame a 2-0 deficit, but ultimately earned a spot in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 after beating the San Jose Earthquakes 5-4 in a penalty shootout on Tuesday. The win kept alive the Fire's streak of never failing to reach the tournament's main draw.
U.S. Open Cup Qualifying: Chicago Fire Move Into Round Of 16
For the first 60 minutes, that streak seemed to be in serious jeopardy. The Earthquakes jumped out to a 2-0 first-half lead behind goals from Ellis McCloughan and Justin Morrow and seemed to be poised to advance to the main draw of the tournament for the first time since rejoining MLS for the 2008 season. A goal from Orr Barouch in the 61st minute got momentum swinging the other way, and Yamith Cuesta tied it up in the 76th minute to send the game into overtime.
The Earthquakes still had their chances to win, though. Gonzalo Segares was shown a straight red card in the 98th minute, but the Earthquakes were unable to capitalize. In the shootout, they were given another opening when Logan Pause missed his attempt in the second round, but Sam Cronin missed one of his own to keep the shootout level. In the sixth round, Scott Sealy sent his attempt high.
The Fire will now face an as-yet-to-be-determined opponent on June 28 as they seek to become a five-time winner over the Open Cup.
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