Karol Swiderski powers Charlotte FC past Fire, into playoffs

Karol Swiderski scored two goals and provided an assist during Charlotte FC's three-goal first half in what became a 4-3 victory against the visiting Chicago Fire on Wednesday.

The result allowed Charlotte (12-11-9, 45 points) to clinch an Eastern Conference playoff berth.

Junior Urso and Liel Abada also scored for Charlotte, which has collected seven points in its last three matches.

Charlotte FC, a franchise in its third season, has reached its highest point total and will play beyond the regular season for the second year in a row.

Swiderski has five goals in eight matches this season. This was the first time in 2024 that he scored more than once, though he now has six two-goal outings across his three MLS seasons. He had been Charlotte's top goal-scorer in each of the past two seasons.

Chicago (7-17-9, 30 points), playing its first match since it was eliminated from playoff contention, received a first-half goal from Fabian Herbers and second-half tallies from Kellyn Acosta and Tom Barlow. The Fire have a four-match winless streak (0-3-1).

Swiderski's first goal came in the eighth minute off an assist from Pep Biel, who delivered a pass back to Swiderski.

Herbers converted on a header for the Fire's tying goal in the 25th minute.

Five minutes later, when Charlotte went back ahead on Urso's first goal of the season, Biel had another assist with a pinpoint delivery so Urso could score on a header.

Then in first-half stoppage time, Swiderski scored again. Ater receiving a cross from Nathan Byrne, and while in between two Chicago players, he headed the ball into the net for a 3-1 lead.

In the 58th minute, Swiderski assisted on Abada's sixth goal of the season. Abada has two goals in a three-match span, with his relentless pursuit of a ball ricocheting off players in the box paying off.

Acosta's third goal of the season was his first tally since late May. It came in the 67th minute, with Frederico Navarro assisting.

Chicago's Chris Mueller assisted on Barlow's goal in second-half stoppage time.