Lewandowski double gives Chicago Fire victory over Charlotte

Chicago Fire’s new striker Robert Lewandowski scored twice on his home debut to secure a 2-1 victory over Charlotte in Major League Soccer on Sunday.

The Poland international made his first appearance at Chicago Fire’s stadium since joining the club and marked the occasion by scoring his first two goals in the team’s shirt. His second-half winner completed a comeback after Charlotte had taken an early lead.

Charlotte opened the scoring in the 18th minute through Pep Biel. The visitors’ forward received the ball inside the penalty area before sending a shot into the goalkeeper’s near corner.

Chicago Fire responded almost immediately, with Lewandowski equalising just two minutes later. The striker found space outside the penalty area and drove a low effort beyond the goalkeeper to make it 1-1.

The match remained level until the 68th minute, when Lewandowski struck again to put the home side in front. Robin Lod supplied the pass into the penalty area, allowing the Polish forward to break clear of the defence before finishing into the net.

That goal completed Lewandowski’s first brace for Chicago Fire and gave his side all three points in their home match against Charlotte.

The result moved Chicago Fire to 29 points and fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings. Charlotte remained on 25 points and occupy seventh position.

Lewandowski’s contribution was decisive in his first outing at Chicago Fire’s home stadium. Having cancelled out Charlotte’s opener shortly after it was scored, he later converted Lod’s pass to turn the game in the hosts’ favour.

Charlotte’s early advantage came from a close-range opportunity for Biel, whose effort from inside the box found the narrow angle of the goal. Chicago Fire’s reply was led by Lewandowski, who restored parity with a grounded strike from outside the area before producing the winning finish after the interval.

The victory strengthens Chicago Fire’s position in the Eastern Conference, while Charlotte leave the match without adding to their total of 25 points.

The match was played on Sunday, 2 August 2026, in the American league. FilGoal reported the result at 10:59.