Christian Benteke and Gabriel Pirani scored three minutes apart in the first half to spark D.C. United to a 2-1 victory against the Chicago Fire on Saturday night at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.
Benteke gave DC United (8-12-8) the lead in the 26th minute with his league-leading 18th goal of the season. Pirani found the net for the fourth time this season for a two-goal lead. Mateusz Klich had assists on both goals, giving him 10 this season.
The Fire (6-14-8) pulled within a goal in the 54th minute when defender Andrew Gutman found the net for the first time this season — unassisted.
Benteke’s goal tied him with Roy Lassiter (18 in 1998-99) for fourth most goals in a season in club history. Raul Diaz Arce set the record with 23 in 1996.