Dithejane’s Chicago Holds Messi & Co. To Dr…

Puso Dithejane came off the bench for Chicago Fire in a 1-1 draw against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. (Photo: Gallo)

Puso Dithejane nearly became the difference-maker off the bench as Chicago Fire fought out a thrilling 1-1 draw against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in Major League Soccer action.

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Chicago Fire vs Inter Miami

In front of a club-record crowd of 63,094 fans at a sold-out Soldier Field, the Men in Red extended their impressive unbeaten run to seven matches, though they had to do so without star defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who missed out due to a lower-body injury. 

According to head coach Gregg Berhalter, the defender could make a return later this season, despite having initially been ruled out for the entirety of it. 

The hosts got off to a flying start just 10 minutes into the contest.

Andrew Gutman peeled away from his marker on the left flank before delivering a pinpoint cross for Robert Lewandowski, who slammed home a brilliant volley to give Chicago the early lead.

Messi Inspires Inter Miami Equaliser

However, Miami struck back shortly after the half-time break.

Argentine maestro Lionel Messi whipped in a precise corner kick in the 47th minute, finding Casemiro, who headed past Chris Brady to level the scores.

Puso Dithejane’s Impact Off the Bench

Seeking a winner, Berhalter turned to Dithejane, who has been in scintilating form as of late, in the 56th minute, introducing the former TS Galaxy man on the left wing.

The 22-year-old nearly produced a moment of magic in the 77th minute, carving his way through the Miami defence before seeing his powerful strike brilliantly denied by Dayne St. Clair.

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The hard-fought point keeps Inter Miami comfortably placed in second spot in the Eastern Conference standings as they continue their push toward the postseason, while the Fire remain firmly entrenched in third place ahead of hosting the New England Revolution on Sunday.

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