Joveljić's Double Debut Not Enough as Fire Rally for 2-2 Draw
Source: ABC News Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
SEATTLE -- Dejan Joveljić turned in a memorable debut for the Seattle Sounders, scoring twice in a 2-2 draw against the Chicago Fire on Saturday evening at Lumen Field. Yet the night’s narrative was one of resilience from the visitors, who twice erased deficits to spoil the forward’s starring moment.
Joveljić, who arrived in a blockbuster $6 million trade from Sporting Kansas City earlier this week, made an immediate impact. In the 12th minute, he latched onto a pass from rookie Sebastian Gomez – Gomez’s first career assist – and finished past Chicago goalkeeper Chris Brady. Defender Kalani Kossa-Rienzi also contributed an assist, his second of the season. The goal was Joveljić’s ninth of the campaign, a tally that now continues in a new jersey.
But Chicago, riding a strong run of form, refused to buckle. In the 38th minute, Maren Haile-Selassie leveled the score with his fifth goal of the year, one shy of his career high. Robert Lewandowski, the Fire’s marquee signing, provided the assist – his fourth in seven league matches – while defender Andrew Gutman also earned a helper, his fifth of the season.
The Sounders came out aggressively after the interval. Just three minutes into the second half, Joveljić struck again, restoring Seattle’s lead. Albert Rusnák delivered his eighth assist of the campaign, and 19-year-old Snyder Brunell chipped in with his second. The goal made Joveljić the fifth player in Sounders history to score in his debut, and the second to notch a brace, following Fredy Montero’s two-goal performance in Seattle’s inaugural MLS match in 2009.
Seattle seemed poised to claim all three points, but the Fire’s persistence paid off in the 82nd minute. Lewandowski rose to meet a cross and headed home his fifth goal for Chicago, equalizing once more. Haile-Selassie claimed his eighth assist, matching his career best set in each of the previous two seasons. Rookie Puso Dithejane also earned his first career assist on the play.
Chris Brady made one save for Chicago, but his presence was felt beyond the box score. In the 34th minute, the goalkeeper surpassed 10,000 career minutes, becoming the second homegrown player in Fire history to reach that milestone. On the other end, Seattle’s Andrew Thomas recorded nine saves, keeping his side in the match.
The draw extended Seattle’s unbeaten home record against Chicago to 6-0-3 all time. The Sounders now sit at 7-9-5, while the Fire improved to 11-6-4, climbing to third place in the Eastern Conference. Chicago went 3-0-2 in August and now boasts a 4-3-4 record on the road.
Looking ahead, Chicago travels to face Toronto FC on Saturday, while Seattle hosts the New York Red Bulls on the same day. Joveljić’s debut offered a glimpse of what the Sounders’ attack could become, but the result also highlighted defensive lapses that allowed a determined Fire side to escape with a point.
Article commentary
Dejan Joveljić’s two-goal debut for the Seattle Sounders was a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating evening for the home side, but the broader story lies in Chicago Fire’s growing resilience and their ability to grind out results on the road. The 2-2 draw at Lumen Field underscores several trends shaping the 2026 MLS season. First, Joveljić’s arrival has already validated the Sounders’ $6 million investment. He became the fifth player in club history to score in his debut, and only the second to net a brace, joining Fredy Montero. His movement, finishing, and ability to link with teammates like Albert Rusnák and Sebastian Gomez suggest Seattle’s attack has found a new focal point. Yet the defense’s inability to hold a lead – twice – raises questions about the team’s composure in high-stakes moments. With a 7-9-5 record, the Sounders are hovering near the playoff line, and such lapses could prove costly down the stretch. Chicago, meanwhile, continues to demonstrate the depth and tactical discipline that has propelled them to third in the Eastern Conference. Robert Lewandowski, despite being in his first season in MLS, has adapted quickly, with five goals and four assists in just seven league matches. His headed equalizer in the 82nd minute showed his timeless ability to deliver in critical moments. Maren Haile-Selassie’s goal and assist also highlight his consistent production – he has now matched his career high in assists for the third consecutive season. The Fire’s 3-0-2 record in August, combined with a strong road record (4-3-4), positions them as a legitimate contender. Goalkeeper Chris Brady reaching 10,000 career minutes at just 22 years old speaks to his durability and importance to the team’s spine. However, the team’s reliance on late equalizers could be a concern against better-organized opponents in the playoffs. For Seattle, the match also revealed promising young talent. Sebastian Gomez and Snyder Brunell, both under 20, contributed assists, signaling a bright future. But the Sounders need to tighten their defensive shape, especially after conceding twice from crosses. Andrew Thomas’s nine saves were heroic, but that volume of shots faced is unsustainable. Looking ahead, both teams face pivotal matches. Chicago’s trip to Toronto FC will test their ability to maintain momentum, while Seattle’s home game against the New York Red Bulls is a must-win to keep pace in the Western Conference playoff race. Joveljić’s performance offers hope, but the Sounders must turn individual brilliance into collective results. The Fire, on the other hand, have shown they can never be counted out – a trait that could define their postseason journey.