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MLS Chicago Fire FC

Brian McBride scores game-winning goal for Fire in the second half

June 20, 2009 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CHICAGO, IL - The Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer defeated San Luis of the Mexican Primera Division 1-0 tonight in the opening match of SuperLiga 2009 at TOYOTA PARK. Chicago Fire forward Brian McBride scored the game-winning goal in the 69th minute of play with the assist going to Fire designated player Cuauhtémoc Blanco. The Fire will continue group play against Chivas USA on June 23rd (7 p.m. CT) and Tigres UANL on June 27th (7 p.m. CT). Chicago will host a doubleheader for their match on June 23rd as San Luis and Tigres UANL will face off at 9 p.m. CT following the Fire's game.

The Fire nearly scored in the 12th minute as Chris Rolfe played a ball from the top of the box back to midfielder Cuauhtémoc Blanco who sent a rocket shot from 25-yards out toward the right post. San Luis goalkeeper Adrian Martinez made a diving save to his left to save the shot. In the 29th minute, Rolfe took a shot from 25-yards out attempting to stun the San Luis goalkeeper but Martinez again made a diving save to his left to keep the game even at zero into halftime.

San Luis forward Victor Lojeno tested Fire goalkeeper Jon Busch in the 54th minute as he received a cross at the six-yard box and took an open shot on goal. Busch saved the shot directed toward the right post to maintain the clean sheet.

In the 69th minute, Fire designated player Cuauhtémoc Blanco slipped a pass from deep in the left corner to the top of the 18-yard box for McBride sprinting into the area. McBride ran onto the pass and placed a shot into the middle of the net for the game-winner.

"It was a great finish," said Fire head coach Denis Hamlett about McBride's goal. "We have to credit Cuauhtémoc Blanco though. Sometimes he stays back, but he chased the guy down and made a play out of that. Brian made a nice finish with his left foot, which was a birthday present for him because it was his birthday yesterday."

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Major League Soccer Stories from June 20, 2009


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