Karol Swiderski scores 2 goals to help Charlotte clinch a playoff spot with a victory over the Fire

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Karol Swiderski had two goals and an assist, and Charlotte clinched a playoff spot with a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Fire on Wednesday night.

Charlotte (12-11-9) has beaten Chicago (7-17-9) in five straight matches.

It marked the first time since 2015 that a Charlotte-based major professional sports team advanced to the postseason in consecutive years, joining the NFL's Carolina Panthers.

Swiderski opened the scoring in the eighth minute after a give-and-go with Pep Biel. Swiderski scored again in first-half stoppage time by heading in a cross by Nathan Byrne for a 3-1 lead.

Júnior Urso scored his first goal for Charlotte in the 30th minute for a 2-1 lead. Liel Abada made it 4-1 in the 58th off an assist by Swiderski.

Chicago, which played its final road game of the season, scored in the 25th and 67th minutes before a stoppage-time goal by Tom Barlow.

Fabian Herbers scored for the first time since March 9.

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AP MLS: https://apnews.com/hub/major-league-soccer