Bafana Bafana attacker Puso Dithejane continued to impress in Major League Soccer after scoring a crucial late goal to help Chicago Fire secure a 4-2 comeback victory over Colorado Rapids on Sunday morning. The 22-year-old South African was one of the important players for his team as they recovered from an early setback to claim all three points away from home.

Dithejane has been enjoying a positive campaign in the United States, and his latest goal adds to his growing contribution at Chicago Fire. The former South African-based attacker has now scored five goals and registered two assists in 31 appearances across all competitions this season. His performances will be encouraging for Bafana Bafana supporters who are following his progress abroad.

Chicago Fire did not have the best start to the match as they found themselves trailing in the 22nd minute. Colorado Rapids took advantage of their opportunity when Morgan Whittaker scored the opening goal to put the home side 1-0 ahead.

The visitors needed to respond, and they managed to find an equaliser just before half-time. Jonathan Bamba scored in the 41st minute to bring Chicago back into the contest and give his teammates confidence going into the break.

Chicago returned for the second half with more determination, and their efforts quickly produced another goal. Bamba scored his second of the match in the 56th minute, completing his brace and giving Gregg Berhalter's team a 2-1 lead.

However, Colorado Rapids were not prepared to give up without a fight. The home side responded just two minutes later when Paxten Aaronson found the back of the net in the 58th minute. His goal brought the score to 2-2 and made the closing stages of the match more competitive.

Chicago refused to settle for a draw and continued looking for another opportunity to take the lead. Their persistence paid off in the 74th minute when Robert Lewandowski scored to put the visitors ahead for the second time in the match.

With Chicago leading 3-2, Colorado needed another goal to avoid defeat, but it was the visitors who delivered the final blow. In the 88th minute, Dithejane received a pass from Lewandowski inside the penalty area before finishing powerfully to make it 4-2. The late strike secured the victory and confirmed the South African's important contribution to the comeback.

The result also helped Chicago achieve an important objective in their campaign. The club secured qualification for the Eastern Conference playoffs and currently occupies fourth position with 55 points.

For Dithejane, scoring in such an important match is another positive development as he continues to establish himself in American football. Reaching five goals and two assists in 31 appearances shows that he has been contributing to the team's campaign, while his latest performance will give him confidence heading into the final matches.

Chicago Fire will now turn their attention to their next league assignment against Columbus Crew at home on Saturday, 7 November. Dithejane will be hoping to continue his scoring form and help his team prepare for the challenges of the playoffs.

His progress will also be followed closely by South African football supporters, particularly those hoping to see more Bafana Bafana players succeed at international level. At 22, Dithejane still has time to develop further, and performances like this could help him continue building his reputation in Major League Soccer.

Source: IDiskiTimes