Puso Dithejane got his first start for new club Chicago Fire on Tuesday but was sent off in their 2-1 away win over Detroit City in the first round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in Hamtramck, Michigan.
Forward Jason Shokalook scored twice in the span of two minutes in his first start for Chicago to book them a place in the second round against Wednesday’s winner of the tie between St. Louis City and FC Tulsa.
Dithejane was signed from TS Galaxy in January but has made only two substitute appearances in Major League Soccer.
The cup tie against semi-professional opposition was his first start as Fire rested many regulars, including Bafana Bafana centre back Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Dithejane was shown a red card with 10 minutes left after the home side had pulled back one goal and made a late bid to tie the game.
Second-placed Chicago next head to Ohio for a league clash against FC Cincinnati on Saturday.