CHICAGO – 14 August 2026: South African winger Puso Dithejane delivered a match-winning performance for Chicago Fire, scoring twice to secure a dramatic 2–1 victory over Mexican champions Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup on Thursday night.

Dithejane opened the scoring in the 67th minute, giving Chicago Fire the lead in a tightly contested encounter. Cruz Azul responded through Nicolás Ibáñez in the 81st minute, setting up a tense finish.

Just when the match appeared destined for a draw, Dithejane struck again in the third minute of stoppage time (90+3’), finding the decisive goal to complete his brace and send the home side into the knockout stages. 

The 21-year-old was subsequently named Man of the Match for his decisive contribution, while the victory completed a perfect three-from-three record for Chicago Fire in the opening phase of the competition. The Fire finished as the highest-ranked MLS side in the Leagues Cup standings with nine points. 

For Dithejane, who was born in Christiana in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, the performance marks another significant milestone in his rapidly developing international career.

His brace has also provided a major moment of pride for supporters back home in the North West, as the young footballer continues to make his mark on the international stage.

Dithejane and Chicago Fire will now turn their attention to the Leagues Cup knockout rounds, with the South African having already announced himself as one of the team’s standout performers in the competition. 

-The VIP Team 

-Chicago Fire FC 

-MLS Soccer