Philip Zinckernagel scored 17 seconds into the match and goalie Chris Brady made it stand up as the Chicago Fire handed Nashville SC its first loss this season with a 1-0 victory Saturday night at Soldier Field.
Zinckernagel used passes from Jonathan Bamba and Anton Salétros to score for the first time this season. It was the earliest goal ever scored by the Fire and the 10th fastest in league history.
Zinckernagel had 15 goals and 15 assists last season, his first in the league. Bamba’s assist was his first after collecting 10 as a newcomer last year. Salétros earned his first in first season in the league.
Brady saved four shots for the Fire (3-2-1). He has posted three clean sheets and surrendered just five goals in six starts this season. It was Brady’s 23rd shutout in 98 career starts — all with the Fire.
Rookie Brian Schwake had two saves for Nashville (4-1-1). He allowed two goals and had three clean sheets in his first five starts.
Hugo Cuypers had a run of four straight matches with a goal come to an end for the Fire, who began a stretch of playing five of six matches at home.
Nashville swept the Fire last season and had won four in a row in the series — three by shutouts. Nashville leads the series 6-2-2.
Up next
- Nashville: at Charlotte FC on Saturday.
- Fire: vs. Atlanta United on Saturday.
