Ghana striker David Accam returned to action for the first time in five weeks on Wednesday as a second half substitute in Chicago Fire’s 1-0 defeat at home to Columbus Crew.
Accam replaced Chris Ritter on 72 minutes but could not help them avoid defeat.
The 24-year was sidelined after picking up an injury when he scored in Ghana’s -1 victory over Mauritius on June 14 in their opening Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign
Chicago fell behind late in the first half and pushed for an equalizer over the final 45 minutes, but couldn’t quite find the net.
Crew SC broke through in the 41st minute on a counterattack. Ethan Finlay took the ball to the end line and then lofted a cross to Kei Kamara on the doorstep.
The league’s leading scorer didn’t waste his chance, heading it past the outstretched arms of Sean Johnson for his 13th goal of the season.