Wizards Win U.S. Open Cup
Igor Simutenkov scored on a free kick five minutes into overtime to lead the Kansas City Wizards to a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire in the championship match of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Wizards won their second championship in franchise history. Kansas City won the MLS Cup in 2000.
Simutenkov’s goal was set up when Chicago’s Evan Whitfield fouled Josh Wolff just outside the Fire’s penalty area, and a free kick was awarded.
Simutenkov’s shot from 21 yards went through Chicago’s defensive wall. Fire goalkeeper Henry Ring blocked the shot with his hands, but the ball shot up off the crossbar, down to the ground, and rolled across the line, setting off a celebration by Wizard fans.
Tony Meola, who sat out six matches because of an Achilles’ tendon strain, made one save in the shutout.
The Fire, which was the defending U.S. Open Cup champion, had one of its best chances in the 43rd minute when Logan Pause broke in from the right wing and sent a low shot past Meola only to see the ball skip past the goalkeeper’s right post.
