Major League Soccer: Bamba continues fine form for Chicago, Denkey strikes again for Cincinnati

Photo: Chicago Fire

Jonathan Bamba was an important acquisition for the Chicago Fire ahead of the 2025 Major League Soccer season and the Ivorian international was instrumental in Chicago's victory on Saturday. The former Lille star scored his second goal of the season and provided his sixth assist in a 4-1 victory over fellow Ivorian international Wilfried Zaha and Charlotte FC.

Bamba opened the scoring just before halftime with a powerful curled strike from distance. Chicago's high octane attack caused all sorts of chaos for hosts Charlotte who were dominated in their own venue. Bamba also played a role in a second half goal from another signing, Philip Zinckernagel, in the 64th minute for Bamba's sixth assist in thirteen games.

Also in the Eastern Conference, Togolese striker Kévin Denkey is becoming a more regular sight on the scoresheet this season. Denkey struck early inside six minutes to put FC Cincinnati ahead in an eventual 1-1 draw with Ohio rivals Columbus Crew. Fellow big money signing Evander set up Denkey with a clever bicycle kick assist.

It was the second consecutive match with a goal for Denkey, who is tied for third on the MLS scoring chart with eight goals. Cincinnati are tied at the top of the Eastern Conference table with Philadelphia Union on 29 points each. Bamba and Chicago are in ninth place but are on a hot run with three victories in their last three.