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MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Topple League Leading LA Galaxy 3-2

August 2, 2010 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


The Chicago Fire jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as Marco Pappa, Collins John and Mike Banner all scored within the first 20 minutes to give the Fire a 3-2 victory over the LA Galaxy at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA.

The Fire (5-5-5, 20 points) withstood two Landon Donovan penalties and stifled a late comeback attempt to hand the Galaxy (12-4-4, 40 points) their first home loss of the season and earn their third road victory of their 2010 campaign. The match marked the MLS debut for Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson, who had four saves, including an early block of an Edson Buddle break away that set the tone for the Fire's energized performance in Los Angeles. Newly signed Designated Player Freddie Ljungberg made his debut for the Men in Red when he entered the match in the 58th minute.

The Fire came out blazing, scoring a goal four minutes into the match to give the Men in Red a 1-0 advantage. Fire midfielder Baggio Husidic sent a glancing through ball that beat the Galaxy's offside trap and sprung Marco Pappa into the open space. With only Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts to beat, the MLS All-Star slotted the ball under Ricketts and into the back of the net to stun the Galaxy early.

Just a minute later, the Fire would double their lead as Collins John scored his second goal of the season. Fire midfielder Patrick Nyarko sent a lofted ball to John on the right side of the field. The imposing Dutchman charged toward goal from 35-yards out and blasted his shot past Ricketts to the near post to put the Fire up 2-0.

The Galaxy had opportunities from World Cup teammates Donovan and Buddle to close in on the Fire's two goal advantage, yet, it was the Fire who would find goal to stretch the lead in the 19th minute. Husidic switched the point of attack, sending a lofted cross from right to left finding Pappa at the top of the 18-yard box. Pappa settled the cross and blasted a shot from 15 yards out. His well-struck attempt was blocked by Ricketts and the rebound fell to midfielder Mike Banner who in full-volley, smashed the ball into the back of the goal to give the Fire a 3-0 lead. The goal was Banner's first in the season and third of his career.

The Galaxy would pull a goal back late in the first half after midfielder Michael Stephens and Nyarko got tangled in the box. The referee awarded the Galaxy a penalty kick and Donovan took advantage, calmly placing the spot kick into the bottom left corner of the goal for his 100th career MLS regular season goal, reducing the Fire lead to 3-1.

As the Galaxy pushed for another goal, the Los Angeles-based team would be awarded another penalty kick when a handball in the box by a Fire defender sent Donovan back to the spot. The Galaxy Captain converted for the second time to cut the Fire's lead to 3-2.

The Fire return home to TOYOTA PARK where new Designated Players Nery Castillo and Freddie Ljungberg will make their home debuts as they face off against Thierry Henry and the New York Red Bulls at TOYOTA PARK on Aug. 8 at 8:00 PM CT (ESPN2/ESPN Deportes). For tickets, please call 1-888-MLS-FIRE (657-3473) or head to the club's official website at www.Chicago-Fire.com.

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