South African footballer Puso Dithejane made a memorable contribution for Chicago Fire after scoring just 36 seconds after coming off the bench in their 4-2 victory over Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer.

The Bafana Bafana prospect found the back of the net in the 88th minute after receiving a perfectly timed pass from Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who also scored during the encounter.

The match, played at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday, October 31, 2026, saw Chicago Fire produce an impressive second-half performance to secure all three points away from home.

Dithejane started the match on the bench before being introduced in the 87th minute, replacing Philip Zinckernagel. He wasted little time making his presence felt, finishing Lewandowski’s pass to extend Chicago’s advantage to 4-2.

His goal capped an impressive attacking display from Chicago, with Lewandowski also getting on the scoresheet in the 74th minute.

Meanwhile, South African defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi was also involved in the encounter, starting for Chicago Fire and featuring in their defensive line.

However, Mbokazi’s effort to get his name on the scoresheet was unsuccessful after his goal was disallowed during the match.

Chicago Fire had to fight back after Colorado Rapids took the lead through Morgan Whittaker in the 22nd minute.

Jonathan Bamba equalised for the visitors in the 41st minute before scoring his second goal of the evening in the 56th minute to give Chicago a 2-1 advantage.

Colorado responded almost immediately, with Paxten Aaronson restoring parity in the 58th minute.

Lewandowski then put Chicago ahead again in the 74th minute before Dithejane completed the scoring four minutes before the end of regular time.

The victory leaves Chicago Fire in fourth position in the Eastern Conference with 55 points from 33 matches, having already secured their place in the postseason.

For Dithejane, the goal represents another important moment as he continues to establish himself in American football. Scoring after just 36 seconds on the pitch, particularly with an assist from a world-renowned striker like Lewandowski, will provide a major confidence boost.

Source