Jack Elliott’s Brace Overshadowed by Mihailovic’s Buzzer-Beater as Chicago Fire, Toronto FC Split Points in Soldier Field Thriller
Jack Elliott twice sent Soldier Field into rapture, but Djordje Mihailovic’s stoppage-time strike in the 100th minute dramatically snatched a 2-2 draw for Toronto FC against Chicago Fire, capping a pulsating night of Major League Soccer action and altering the playoff outlook for both clubs.
With playoff positioning at stake, both sides fielded their strongest elevens, and the intensity was evident from the opening whistle. Chicago controlled the tempo, holding 56% of possession and registering more total shots, but Toronto’s incisiveness on the counter kept the Fire honest throughout.
The deadlock wasn’t broken until deep into the second half, when Elliott—usually a defensive pillar—emerged as Chicago’s unlikely hero. In the 71st minute, Philip Zinckernagel delivered a perfectly weighted set-piece into the box, and Elliott, rising above the crowd, nodded home to give the hosts a deserved lead. Elliott, not content with a single highlight, doubled the advantage in the 89th minute, again capitalizing on Zinckernagel’s creativity. This brace marked only the second multi-goal game in Elliott’s professional career, cementing his status as Chicago’s captain fantastic.
The match, however, was far from over. With desperation mounting, Toronto FC pressed forward relentlessly. Mihailovic, Toronto’s midfield orchestrator, saw yellow in the 90th minute but would soon make his most crucial contribution. In the dying seconds of extended stoppage time (90+10’), Mihailovic latched onto a loose ball in the box and rifled home an equalizer—his shot leaving goalkeeper Chris Brady rooted—sending the visiting bench into euphoria and dashing Chicago’s hopes for all three points.
Both teams had their chances beyond the goals. Toronto fired 10 shots, six on frame, and earned 9 corners, while Sean Johnson was called upon to produce four critical saves to keep the visitors in the contest. Chicago, for their part, registered 12 shots (six on target) and forced Toronto to defend desperately late on, only to see victory slip away at the whistle.
The match was not without its physical moments, with four yellow cards issued and a raft of late substitutions as coaches sought fresh legs in pursuit of a result. The 2-2 draw leaves Chicago Fire ruing missed opportunities and Toronto FC buoyed by their late heroics—each side taking a single, hard-earned point into the season’s final stretch.
For full match highlights and all major moments, see the official MLS and Sportsnet recaps on YouTube and broadcast partners, which capture the drama, Elliott’s goals, and Mihailovic’s dramatic equalizer.