By Ben Steiner
Robert Lewandowski knows how to pick his moments.
On Saturday, the Chicago Fire FC striker snapped an eight-game goalless streak with his seventh goal of the season.
His 74th-minute strike proved to be the game-winner, and he also set up an insurance goal for Puso Dithejane in a 4-2 win over the Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
The Fire are now three games undefeated, with two wins in that spell, and sit fourth in the Eastern Conference with 55 points (16W-10L-7D) as they build form ahead of the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Polish striker hadn't scored since Sept. 9, in a 1-1 draw with Inter Miami , but could be heating up at the right time, especially after delivering off the bench in a rare substitute appearance.
"I think it's great that he scored," Chicago head coach Gregg Berhalter said after the match. "I think it's great that he embraced his role. We described what type of game it was going to be and how he could make an impact, and that's exactly what he did. Three games in eight days is difficult with the travel, with the altitude.
"So we had to be smart, and we knew he'd make an impact, and we knew there'd be a moment when the opponent got tired and started to fade, and that's when we put him in."
Lewandowski's big moment wouldn't have mattered without Jonathan Bamba .
The 30-year-old DP winger put the Fire on his back early, scoring a brace with goals in the 41st and 56th minutes of the back-and-forth affair.
The Ivory Coast international was a bright spot down the left wing, bringing his season goal contributions total to 12 (6g/6a). Meanwhile, fellow wide-threat Philip Zinckernagel picked up an assist for his second goal contribution in the three-game spell.
"With [Bamba], it's really simple: Just keep doing what he's doing," Berhalter said. "You know he has the skill. He has the technical ability.
"So for him, it's about: how does he continue to get in good attacking positions, and then when he is, how does he finish them off? And his goals are a great example of that."
With all three DPs delivering, the Fire look to be rounding into form at the right time. Couple that with the recent return of South African international center back Mbekezeli Mbokazi from injury, and a breakout season from Maren Haile-Selassie (12g/10a), and Fire fans have plenty to look forward to as the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs close in.
The Fire now turn their attention to Decision Day and a clash with the in-form Columbus Crew (4 pm ET | Apple TV ) as they hope to secure a coveted top-four spot and home advantage in the first-round Best-of-3 Series.
Following Decision Day, focus will turn to Round One of the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs, set for Nov. 20-Dec. 2.
WATCH: Lewandowski, Bamba guide Chicago Fire to win over Rapids
