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MLS Chicago Fire FC

Fire defeats Chivas USA, 2-1, in Carson

March 3, 2007 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CARSON, Calif. - Playing its first exhibition with a full side, the Chicago Fire edged Chivas USA, 2-1, in a Major Soccer League primer at the Home Depot Center. Chicago is now 4-2-1 in preseason action as the team approaches the mid-way point of training camp.

U.S. MNT teammates Chris Rolfe and Justin Mapp connected in the 34th minute to open scoring Saturday. Rolfe accepted a pass from C.J. Brown along the right sideline and feed a through pass to Mapp, who cut into the box and placed a shot inside the far post. Mapp proved active on the afternoon, nearly scoring on two other occasions, only to be foiled by goalkeeper Brad Guzan on a breakaway and forward Matt Taylor, who redirected an open shot on net.

The Goodyear blimp had barely finished circling overhead when Chivas scored an equalizer in the 69th minute. A quick corner kick from Maykel Galindo caught the Fire off-guard as an unmarked Claduio Suarez finished a header in the box. It was the only blemish against Fire goalkeeper Matt Pickens, who turned away several point-blank shots in 90 minutes of action.

Rookie Mike Banner provided the heroics with six minutes left in regulation. A series of passes from Floyd Franks to Thiago to Banner left the D.C. native with an open look from 10 yards out, which he promptly buried.

"We always look at games like this as useful exercises under game-like conditions," said Fire coach Dave Sarachan. "We're in a phase of camp where we're trying to come together as a team. While it's nice to get the result, there is also room for improvement. It gave us a chance to test our fitness in hot weather and I'm pleased from the soccer side of things."

The Fire will continue to train in southern California this week, meeting the Los Angeles Galaxy on Tuesday (March 6) in a 10:15 a.m. PT exhibition from the HDC.

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