On a night that featured the 2017 MLS Cup champions on the marquee, dozens of protesting fans went from supporting cast to lead role on an ominously gloomy night at Toyota Park.

The Chicago Fire dropped their fourth consecutive league match, succumbing to Toronto FC, 2-1, with most of the characters that starred in Wednesday's thrashing of Louisville City in the U.S. Open Cup, including one of the newest faces in town.

The recently-acquired Raheem Edwards made his debut four days after being acquired from the Montreal Impact, being key in the production of the Fire's lone goal of the game, showing sparks of that game-changing quickness and skill lacking in Chicago these days.

"I think Raheem is going to bring a ton of energy, pace and determination. He played a great game in his debut,” said head coach Veljko Paunovic.

“He had an assist and showed a lot of character, soccer acumen and desire. I think this shows us that there's a future here but also a present, and as we said, we're trying to improve the team through the market.”

In the first half, the Fire maintained the possession-based proposition that was so successful against Louisville City in Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal thrashing. Against much tougher opposition on Saturday, Chicago still managed to produce a couple of dangerous chances in front Alex Bono's goal but failed to convert, until the second half.

"I think in the first half we had good order. I think we were disciplined and played a very good game, a very competitive game against a good opponent, and I think that's the positive side of this game,” said Paunovic.

“But again, we conceded too easily. I think defensively we are what we are and we are not good defensively. We were trying to work and improve, but this has to be solved. This has to be solved. We have to do something about it.”

Toronto FC, on the other hand, proved to be every bit the team that has been stuck in the mud, pale in comparison to the team that won the 2018 MLS Cup after a record-breaking regular season, until the second half as well.

Sebastian Giovinco took advantage of the first piece of real estate acquiesced by the Fire defense, leaving Johan Kappelhof in the dust to give Toronto a 1-0 lead right off the halftime break.

Enter Edwards, who drew a foul on the left side of the Toronto half. Aleksandar Katai, much more subdued than in recent games, found the 23-year-old back post, Edwards set Nikolic up perfectly and the Hungarian tied the game up at one a piece in the 62nd minute with his sixth goal in the last eight and tenth of the MLS season.

But the euphoria of the equalizer quickly turned into frustration for the Fire, as Jonathan Osorio dribbled past Richard Sanchez within three minutes to

From there, Toronto regained control of the game, at times resembling that record-breaking 2017 squad.

But in the stands, a very different kind of game was about to begin.

Benjamin Ordaz/Hoy Fans display banners calling for the resignation of majority owner Andrew Hauptman and President and General Manager Nelson Rodriguez on Saturday, July 21 at Toyota Park Fans display banners calling for the resignation of majority owner Andrew Hauptman and President and General Manager Nelson Rodriguez on Saturday, July 21 at Toyota Park (Benjamin Ordaz/Hoy)

Around the 85th minute, a group of fans took over section 101, closed by the club after permanently removing 'Sector Latino’s privileges following repeated violations of the Fan Code of Conduct.

With drums, trumpets and banners calling for the resignation of Fire majority owner Andrew Hauptman and club President and General Manager Nelson Rodriguez, this group of fans overwhelmed security and remained in the section for the rest of the game before exiting on their own.

This event capped off a night that also featured the return of Section 8 Chicago after voluntarily missing several home matches in solidarity with 'Sector Latino,' bringing with them the "Hauptman Out" and "Free 101" banners that filled the Harlem End, the same way it occurred during Wednesday's match.

“I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart,” said Paunovic.

“I love the people that are behind my back in the stands that are always supporting, standing and even give tactical advice that are spot on and that's very good. But we need everyone to be united and be with us.”

Only the field, the Fire now face a rematch with Toronto FC next Saturday, July 28 at BMO Field, hoping to end their four-game losing skid on the road.

Off the pitch, the discord between the club and a numerous section of its supporters seems to only escalate with time.