Katai caps wild opening 24 minutes, Fire tie Rapids 2-2

By: The Associated Press

Thursday, June 14, 2018 12:04 AM

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) Aleksandar Katai scored the fourth goal of the game in the 24th minute and the Chicago Fire tied the Colorado Rapids 2-2 on Wednesday night.

Colorado took a 2-0 lead in the first 15 minutes on goals by Dominique Badji and Tommy Smith. But nine minutes later, Chicago tied it after an own goal and Katai's finish.

Badji, returning from suspension, got it started in the seventh minute by rolling in his first goal since April 29th. Smith was left wide open for an easy header at the far post.

Danny Wilson's own goal put the Fire within a goal in the 21st. Katai controlled a long pass with his chest, beat his defender and curled in a shot off the crossbar.

Chicago (5-7-4) is 1-2-2 in its last five road games. Colorado (2-9-3) ended a franchise-worst eight-game losing streak. It was tied for the second-longest league losing streak since the start of 2010.

Katai caps wild opening 24 minutes, Fire tie Rapids 2-2

Chicago Fire forward Aleksandar Katai, center, is hugged by midfielder Dax McCarty, right, as defender Kevin Ellis looks over at them after Katai's goal against Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard during the first half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, June 13, 2018, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

The Associated Press

Chicago Fire forward Aleksandar Katai reacts after scoring a goal past Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard during the first half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, June 13, 2018, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Colorado Rapids forward Dominique Badji, right, competes for control of the ball with Chicago Fire defender Johan Kappelhof during the first half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, June 13, 2018, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Chicago Fire forward Luis Solignac, left, pursues the ball with Colorado Rapids defender Deklan Wynne during the first half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, June 13, 2018, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Colorado Rapids midfielder Sam Nicholson, front, congratulates forward Dominique Badji for his goal against the Chicago Fire during the first half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, June 13, 2018, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Chicago Fire midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, front, drives past Colorado Rapids midfielder Johan Blomberg during the first half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, June 13, 2018, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

The Associated Press