Ashley Westwood scored the only goal Kristijan Kahlina would need in the first half and Charlotte FC defeated Chicago 2-0 on Saturday night at Soldier Field, keeping its slim playoff hopes alive while preventing the Fire from clinching a postseason berth.
Westwood found the net for a third time this season, scoring unassisted in the 23rd minute to give Charlotte (9-11-12) the lead for good. Kahlina finished with three saves to earn his fifth clean sheet of the season. Karol Swiderski added an insurance goal on a penalty kick in the 58th minute, his 12th of the season. He became the first Charlotte player to score in three straight league matches.
Chris Brady turned away three shots for the Fire (10-13-10), who fell out of the No. 8 and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with one match to go.
Charlotte returns to action on Oct. 18 at Inter Miami. The Fire travel to play New York City FC on Oct. 21.