WASHINGTON (AP) — Jeff Larentowicz and Bakary Soumare scored in the first half, substitute Quincy Amarikwa had a goal in the second half, and the Chicago Fire beat D.C. United 3-0 on Friday night.
The Fire (12-12-7) moved past Philadelphia, Columbus, and New England into the fifth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
United (3-22-6) are now winless in their last nine league games and were unable to carry over any momentum after winning the US Open Cup for the third time in franchise history during the week.
Larentowicz got his second goal of the season in the 24th minute as Juan Luis Anangono dribbled past two defenders before finding the Fire captain inside the penalty box for the close-range score.
Two minutes later, Soumare doubled the Fire lead with his first goal of the season. Amarikwa, who entered the game in the 79th minute, scored 10 minutes later.