Jonathan Bamba: Chicago Fire star busts out with first MLS goal | OneFootball

By Harrison Hamm

Jonathan Bamba has opened his MLS account.

WATCH: Jonathan Bamba opens Chicago Fire account

Jonathan Bamba

Midfielder · Chicago Fire FC

The Chicago Fire FC Designated Player got on the scoresheet for the first time in his MLS career during Saturday’s match at the New York Red Bulls. The prized offseason arrival finished off a clinical counterattack in the 32nd minute, receiving a lovely assist from Philip Zinckernagel.

Bamba had been held goalless in his first six games for the Fire, though he did register four assists.

"Coach had been telling me to go deeper, and so I saw that [Zinckernagel] had the ball," Bamba said after the match. "He sent a great ball to me. It was my first goal in MLS, and so I'm really happy, but I really would have preferred the victory."

The Ivory Coast international winger was signed in the offseason as a DP alongside club-record signing Hugo Cuypers. Formerly of Celta de Vigo and Lille, Bamba has been a key part of Chicago’s solid start to their first season under new head coach and director of football Gregg Berhalter.

However, the Fire's lead was short-lived, as the Red Bulls responded with late first-half goals from Serge Ngoma and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to take a 2-1 win at Sports Illustrated Stadium.