Substitute Juan Luis Anangono produced a match-winning display as the Chicago Fire advanced to the Quarterfinals of the US Open Cup with a 4-2 extra-time victory over the Columbus Crew at Toyota Park on Wednesday evening.
Anangono, who replaced Mike Magee in the 77th minute, scored two goals and played a part in another as the Fire secured a last eight meeting with the Atlanta Silverbacks in two weeks’ time.
A close to full-strength Fire side dominated the first half against a decimated Crew squad, and there was no surprise when the home side’s superiority paid off with the opening goal in the 34th minute.
Harry Shipp was the provider, swinging in a dangerous right-wing free kick for centerback Patrick Ianni to steer the ball home from close range.
Lively substitute Jairo Arrieta, who replaced Justin Meram at the break, equalized for the visitors in the 55th minute when he latched on to Ben Sweat’s pull back and found the net with a textbook bicycle kick from six yards.
The Crew then took the lead in the 70th minute when Ben Speas’ shot was deflected into the path of Bernardo Anor and the midfielder made no mistake with a calm finish low to Sean Johnson’s left.
The Fire restored parity in the 83rd minute when Matt Watson’s pull-back on the right was swept home by the influential Anangono.
Quincy Amarikwa then put the Fire 3-2 in front in the second minute of extra time when he headed home Shipp’s pass after good work by Greg Cochrane and Anangono.
Crew substitute Michael Parkhurst was shown a straight red card for a wild kick at Amarikwa in the 97th minute, and Alex crossed for Anangono to volley home left-footed in the 108th minute to secure the victory for the hosts.
