CHICAGO (October 2, 2023) – Chicago Fire FC forward Georgios Koutsias has been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday bench for Matchday 35 following his performance in the 1-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, Sept. 30 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J.
Koutsias, 19, scored the game-winning goal in the 64th minute to record his third of the 2023 campaign and lift Chicago to their first road win against the Red Bulls since the 2021 season. With his third tally of the season, Koutsias is now tied for third on the team in goals. Additionally, his goal last Saturday marked his first game-winning goal in a Chicago Fire FC uniform.
In the win over Red Bulls, the Greek forward recorded his 10th career start with Chicago and logged 71 minutes of action. Following a red card issued to New York defender Hassan Ndam, the Fire earned a free kick just outside of the box. A masterful cross from Designated Player Xherdan Shaqiri curled into the 18-yard-box was headed into the back of the net by Koutsias to give Chicago the advantage. The lone tally would be all Chicago needed to pick up three crucial points on the road.
Only three matches remain in the regular season, with the Fire’s next League contest taking place along the lakefront against Inter Miami CF on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at Soldier Field. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. CT, the midweek matchup serves as another pivotal contest for the Fire, who currently sit just one point outside of a playoff position.