MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire defeat Everton FC 2-0 in international friendly

Published on July 30, 2008 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


BRIDGEVIEW, ILL. (July 30, 2008) - The Chicago Fire defeated Everton FC 2-0 tonight in an international exhibition match at TOYOTA PARK. Fire forward Chris Rolfe opened scoring for the Fire in the 42nd minute, while Tomasz Frankowski doubled the score in the 69th minute. The Fire have an all-time record of 6-4-3 in international friendly competitions.

- With the win tonight the Fire are 6-4-3 in international friendly play.

- This is the Fire's second international exhibition match of the season, having played Wisla Krakow to a 0-0 tie at TOYOTA PARK on 5/21/08.

- Chris Rolfe opened scoring in the 42nd minute of play receiving a pass in the middle of the box from defender Gonzalo Segares. Segares worked a give-and-go with Justin Mapp on the left side of the pitch before slotting a ball into middle of the box for Rolfe.

- Tomasz Frankowski doubled the lead in the 69th minute of play. Peter Lowery sent a hard shot from the right side of the box toward the opposite post, but goalkeeper Tim Howard deflected the shot to the right. Frankowski followed up on the loose ball and buried the insurance goal.

- Everton will play the Colorado Rapids on Aug. 3 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

- The attendance for tonight's match at TOYOTA PARK was 9,125.

- Chicago Fire head coach Denis Hamlett on his decision to use 12 substitutions tonight in the exhibition game: "We have a really big game on Saturday and I felt it was important for our guys to get a good run and a taste of a real exhibition game against a very good team."

- Chicago Fire midfielder Marco Pappa on joining the team and the match tonight: "It's always exciting to be a part of such a great club. Anytime you're with a team like that it's just wonderful. Obviously for Everton this was just a preseason match but for us, we were given a chance to go face-to-face with an exceptional soccer team."

- Everton Manager David Moyes on the atmosphere at TOYOTA PARK and the match: "I was very impressed with the stadium. It is great for MLS to have this kind of venue to play in. I didn't enjoy the result, but we did enjoy playing here tonight. Chicago just played better than we did. Their fitness was better and we didn't create any scoring opportunities."

- Everton Goalkeeper Tim Howard on the match: "It was a difficult game for us. Chicago is in the middle of their season and we are just in our preseason but it was a hard fought game and you never want to lose."

- The Chicago Fire will return to MLS action on Saturday, Aug. 2, as they host CD Chivas USA (7:30 CT, HDNet, My50).

For official box scores and game stats, please visit www.chicago-fire.com.

Check out the Chicago Fire FC Statistics

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Major League Soccer Stories from July 30, 2008


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