Accam powers Chicago Fire into US Open Cup semis
David Accam powered Chicago Fire into the US Open Cup semi-finals with a goal and an assist in their 3-0 win over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in a quarterfinal at the Toyota Park on Wednesday.
Advertisement
The Black Stars forward entered the match having scored all three of the Fire’s goals in cup games this season.
It didn’t take long for Accam to make his mark, earning and then converting a penalty kick not even five minutes into the match.
Arturo Alvarez found him in space on the left wing and Accam was able to overcome a heavy touch in the box to get another touch before onrushing goalkeeper Diego Restrepo, who then tripped Accam.
"I had a lot of space," Accam said. "For us we tried to utilize the space they left behind and it paid off.”
After scoring the opener, Accam turned provider with a highlight-reel caliber run through the Strikers’ defense.
Accam won the ball at the halfway line and raced past Lauderdale defender Gale Agbossoumonde, making him fall over in the box. He then rounded Restrepo and sent a centering ball across the face of the goal for Michael de Leeuw to tap in.
Accam played a factor in the third goal as well. Nick LaBrocca headed an Accam corner on target and Khaly Thiam scored on the rebound to make it 3-0 in the 51st minute.
Chicago Fire are into the U.S. Open Cup semis for the 12th time and the fifth time in six years.
