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MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Fall to Philadelphia Union 1-0

September 11, 2010 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


PHILADELPHIA, PA - Sebastien Le Toux's 35th minute strike was enough to lift the expansion Philadelphia Union over the Chicago Fire 1-0 at PPL Park in Chester, PA. Former Fire midfielder Justin Mapp assisted on the lone goal and the Fire were unable to find the back of the net as the Men in Red extend their winless streak to five games.

The Fire (6-8-8, 26 points), playing in their third match in eight days, were shutout for the second time this week and gave the expansion club their first-ever clean sheet. Sitting in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, the club's playoff hopes took a hit, however, with 26 points and eight games remaining the Fire are within striking distance of one of the four wild card spots in the 2010 MLS Cup Playoffs.

The Men in Red appeared to take the lead in the 9th minute when Fire defender Steven Kinney powered home a chipped free kick from Nery Castillo past Union ‘keeper Brad Knighton. The whistle had blown and Kinney was adjudged to be offside, leaving the game level at 0-0.

Union got on the board in the 35th minute when Mapp fed a charging Le Toux on the left side. With space to negotiate, the Frenchman took a touch and drove his shot past Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson and into the back of the net just inside of the near post. The game winning goal was Le Toux's 11th of the season.

Fire Head Coach Carlos de los Cobos brought on Mike Banner and Calen Carr in the second half in search of the equalizer. Carr almost leveled the match in the 76th minute. Kinney sent a lofted ball into the area finding Banner behind the Union defense. Banner used the outside of his foot to center the ball to a wide-open Carr who headed the ball just over the crossbar and out of play.

Following the stretch of three matches in eight days, the Fire will have a week to prepare for the trip to Salt Lake City to challenge defending MLS Cup Champions Real Salt Lake on Saturday, Sept. 18 at 3:00 PM CT (TeleFutura). The Fire return to TOYOTA PARK to host Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 7:00 PM CT (My50). 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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