Patrick Nyarko marks Chicago Fire injury return in US Open Cup win over Haminu Dramani's Charlotte Independence

By El Akyereko Frimpong

Follow the writer on Twitter: @AkyerekOfficial

Ghanaian attacker Patrick Nyarko marked his return from a long-term injury for Chicago Fire as they brushed aside Charlotte Independence 3-1 in the US Open Cup on Wednesday night. 

The 77th-minute introduction of Patrick Nyarko, who has missed the entire season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, brought one of the loudest cheers of the evening. They got even louder five minutes later when Nyarko and Magee combined to put the seal on the Fire’s victory.

Nyarko skipped through a couple of challenges on the right side of the area before centering for Magee to finish with aplomb past Gilstrap and put the game out of reach for a brave Charlotte side that forced Chicago ‘keeper Sean Johnson into four saves on the night.

His return means he will join Black Stars attacker David Accam who has been influential for Fire since the start of the season.

While Nyarko came off the bench to set up a goal for Fire, attacker David Accam was not in their squad for the game.

2006 FIFA World Cup Ghana star Haminu Dramani was also not in the squad losers' squad for the game.