Kellyn Ascota stunned fans with a last-minute winning goal from his own half during Saturday’s MLS match against Montreal, thanks to strong winds in Chicago, famously known as the ‘Windy City’.
The match saw Montreal initially taking a two-goal lead through Matias Coccaro’s penalties, but Chicago clawed back with a goal from Maren Haile-Selassie before halftime. Despite Dominik Yankov extending Montreal’s lead in the second half, a red card for Raheem Edwards shifted the momentum in Chicago’s favor.
Brian Gutierrez’s penalty in the 84th minute brought Chicago closer, and Belgian striker Hugo Cuypers equalized in added time before Ascota’s remarkable winner. A powerful gust of wind propelled Ascota’s long-range effort from his own half, catching goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois off guard as it sailed into the net.
Fans were divided in their reactions. With some questioning the legitimacy of the goal due to the wind factor, while others celebrated the spectacle. Despite the controversy, Chicago secured their first win of the 2024 MLS season, propelling them to ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
With the upcoming match against bottom-placed New England, Chicago Fire’s spirits are high as they aim to build on their recent victory. The club expressed gratitude to their fans for their support following the thrilling encounter.
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