Robert Lewandowski's MLS debut delayed as Chicago Fire match is postponed | OneFootball

Just a few hours ago, we previewed what looked set to be the marquee matchup of the week between the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Chicago Fire.

A matchup featuring Robert Lewandowski, the Fire's biggest signing, and Thomas Müller.

However, what seemed destined to be a memorable day for MLS as it returned from the World Cup break, with Lewandowski's debut just hours away, quickly took an unexpected turn.

The soccer world in the United States was shaken after news emerged that ultimately led to the rescheduling of this game.

Why was the Chicago Fire vs. Vancouver Whitecaps match postponed?

It's truly unfortunate what happened, and it's a real shame to see a match with so much promise postponed.

On paper, it had all the ingredients to be one of the best games of the weekend, featuring two legends of the sport and former teammates in Thomas Müller and Robert Lewandowski going head-to-head once again.

According to Tom Bogert, the match has been postponed due to unsafe air quality. Canadian wildfire smoke has blown south to Chicago, Illinois, putting a hold on Robert Lewandowski’s MLS debut.

Also, Alex Calabrese, a Chicago Fire insider, categorizes this situation as “Hazardous”.

When will the match be played now that it has been postponed?

Shortly afterward, the Fire released a statement confirming that the match had been postponed due to the ongoing conditions and rescheduled for October.

The decision was made to avoid putting any fans, whether home or away supporters, at risk from the hazardous air quality surrounding the stadium.

For that reason, with several hours remaining before kickoff, the Chicago Fire issued the following statement.

Official statement by the club:

“Chicago Fire FC announced today that tonight's match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Soldier Field has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6, due to poor air quality conditions in the Chicago area resulting from wildfire smoke.”

Adding: “With a marquee matchup against Vancouver, the anticipated home debut of Robert Lewandowski, and the Two Friends post-match concert, tonight was expected to be a special evening at Soldier Field. While we know this decision is disappointing, health and safety must come first. We appreciate our fans’ understanding and look forward to welcoming them back soon.”

Indeed, we have to wait a little bit more to watch Robert Lewandowski in the Fire’s shirt and perform his MLS debut.

His first encounter could be next week when the Chicago Fire face Inter Miami at Nu Stadium.

Unfortunately, Lionel Messi is unlikely to feature, as the World Cup final is scheduled less than four days earlier.