The Major League Soccer (MLS) playoff reached a turning point on Tuesday night when the Chicago Fire crushed Inter Miami CF 5-3 at Chase Stadium. The victory propelled Fire into the playoffs, with Inter Miami fans feeling the aerial stress, especially regarding a wish to lift the Supporters' Shield.

Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire had an eight-goal classic test for most of the stars of the United States as they attempted to make an unassisted comeback at some point in the match, but perhaps mostly aided by contributions from Miami talisman Luis Suárez to take the vital three points. 

Chicago Fire Claim First Playoff Berth Since 2017
In the first half, the Fire was attacking strong, keeping the score at 3-1, courtesy of goals from Djé D'Avilla, Jonathan Dean, and Rominigue Kouamé. The decisive moment however came in the last ten minutes where they made a dramatic recovery.

Luis Suárez made a double dazzling effort to net a dazzling double; one at the 57th minute and one at the 74th minute, thereby leveling affairs at 3-3, giving the fans a taste of sweet bitterness. But that momentum would not last long.

In a bid to give ecstatic joy to their supporters, the youngsters from Chicago rallied for a thrilling finish. Justin Reynolds put the Fire ahead again in the 80th minute and, just three minutes later, Brian Gutiérrez topped it all off with an absolute rocket shot from distance for a final score of 5-3.

What a stunning win that ended Fire's seven-long-year drought into the playoffs, but it also shows just how competitive the Eastern front has become.

Messi Goes Scoreless With Ones That Say Goodbye To Hopes For A Supporters' Shield 
And, although conditions were supposed to have been set for one great show build to advance the game, nothing but bitter news was painted for Inter Miami and Lionel Messi as they continued with the second match in a row without scoring. With the soaring Philadelphia Union, now Supporters' Shield or for that matter MLS regular season title competition is seriously threatened.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano took full responsibility for the defeat saying: "This defeat is completely my fault. It wasn't the names but the strategy that I chose." 

It is a crucial moment for the Chicago Fire making playoffs and Inter Miami as their defensive frailties-wearing ugly head for the postseason. 

Match-Scorers 

Chicago Fire FC Goals (5)

• Djé D'Avilla (11')

• Jonathan Dean (31')

• Rominigue Kouamé (43')

• Justin Reynolds (80') - The go-ahead goal for the 4-3 lead.

• Brian Gutiérrez (83') - The final, stunning insurance goal.

Inter Miami CF Goals (3)

• Tomás Avilés (39')

• Luis Suárez (57', 74') - A second-half brace that leveled the score.