Puso Dithejane scores twice as Chicago Fire reach Leagues Cup quarter-finals

Puso Dithejane scored twice, including a 93rd-minute winner, as Chicago Fire beat Cruz Azul 2-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup.

The former TS Galaxy winger settled the tie with a late finish after Cruz Azul had appeared to rescue a draw with an equaliser in the closing stages.

Dithejane opened the scoring in the 67th minute, producing a composed effort from the edge of the penalty area to put Chicago Fire ahead against their Mexican opponents.

Cruz Azul levelled nine minutes from time when Nicolas Ibanez found the net in the 81st minute, leaving the match finely poised as it moved towards its conclusion.

However, Dithejane had the decisive say. He struck again in the third minute of added time to complete his brace and secure a 2-1 victory for Chicago Fire.

The result sends Fire into the last eight of the Leagues Cup and extends their winning run to three matches.

Dithejane was rewarded with a place in the starting XI after a strong run of form since football resumed following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has attracted increasing attention during the absence of the injured Mbekezeli Mbokazi, with his performances helping him establish himself as an important attacking option for his new club.

His influence had already been evident in Chicago Fire’s previous Leagues Cup victory over Santos Laguna. Dithejane registered one assist in that match, while a second possible assist was not officially awarded after a deflection altered the shot.

He has now officially been involved in four goals for Chicago Fire since joining the club, and his latest performance provided the most significant contribution yet.

The win over Cruz Azul also maintained Chicago Fire’s momentum in the competition. After conceding the equaliser late in normal time, they responded through Dithejane’s clinical finish rather than allowing the match to slip into a more uncertain conclusion.

For the South African, the evening represented another milestone in a period of notable progress. He was handed his starting opportunity against Cruz Azul and repaid that selection with two goals, including the finish that carried Fire through to the quarter-finals.

Chicago Fire will now continue their Leagues Cup campaign in the last eight, while Dithejane’s emergence gives the club another source of attacking threat as they pursue further success in the competition.