MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Fall 4-1 to Chivas USA

Published on March 24, 2013 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (March 24, 2013) - The Chicago Fire (0-3-1, 1 point) dropped a 4-1 decision to Chivas USA (2-1-1, 7 points) Sunday evening at Toyota Park. Patrick Nyarko scored the equalizer after Chivas USA's Edgar Mejia opened the scoring. Chivas found two unanswered goals two minutes apart from Joaquin Velazquez and Juan Agudelo before a Jalil Anibaba own goal resulted in a final score of 4-1.

The Fire pressed from the first whistle and maintained a lion's share of the possession in the early going. The Fire would get their first dangerous chance in the 15th minute, when Daniel Paladini pounced on a loose ball outside the penalty box and drove in a cross that was just inches over the offensive line's heads.

In the 38th minute the Fire again looked dangerous when midfielder Wells Thompson unleashed a driving shot 30-yards from goal that went just wide of the post.

Just one minute later, Chris Rolfe stole the ball and went racing towards goal. Rolfe got behind the Chivas USA defense and broke into the box but Chivas 'keeper Dan Kennedy was able to knock it away.

Not to be deterred, the Fire continued to search for the opening goal. In the 44th minute Nyarko drove in a low cross but Kennedy again was able to make the save.

Both teams came out of the locker room with renewed vigor. In the 47th minute after a nice series of team passes, Rolfe played the ball to Alex but the Brazilian's shot was just wide. Two minutes later Alex would again prove his offensive prowess when he tried to chip the Chivas USA defense but his pass was just a touch too heavy for MacDonald.

The Fire again threatened an in the 51st minute, MacDonald played the ball in through the Chivas USA defense to Daniel Paladini. Paladini turned and unleashed a shot from just inside the 18-yard box but his shot dinged off the post and went out for a goal kick.

Chivas USA broke the deadlock in the 57th minute. Agudelo, with his back towards goal, played a square ball to Mejia outside the penalty box. Mejia took a touch and unleashed a right-footed blast past an outstretched Tornaghi.

The Fire found the equalizer and the first goal of the season in the 64th minute. Maicon Santos received the ball on the right touchline and carried it to the top of the arc where he played a short past to MacDonald. MacDonald turned and laid the ball off into the path of an onrushing Nyarko, who with one touch slid the ball under Kennedy to bring the score level.

Chivas USA would go up 3-1 in the 75th minute. Kennedy unleashed a long throw to Jorge Villafana who dribbled into the Fire's half and played a long, looping ball to Agudelo racing into the box. The U.S. international went shoulder-to-shoulder and bumped Larentowicz off the ball, took a touch and curled a right-footed shot around Tornaghi.

Chivas USA put the game away in the 89th minute when Jose Correa drove a ball in across the face of Tornaghi's goal. Racing back to defend was Jalil Anibaba and the ball took an unfortunate deflection off his right foot into the goal as the game finished 4-1.

The Fire will use a bye weekend to regroup and return to action when they host the New York Red Bulls at Toyota Park on Sunday, April 7 (ESPN2/107.9 La Ley). Tickets for the match are available by calling 888-MLS-Fire or by visiting www.Chicago-Fire.com.

Notes:

* The Fire are 8-5-3 all-time against Chivas USA and 4-3-1 in matches played at home. * This match marked Wells Thompson's first start in a Fire shirt. This match also marked the first Fire appearance for forward Quincy Amarikwa, who entered the match in the 68th minute for Sherjill MacDonald. * With Sean Johnson on international duty, Paolo Tornaghi deputized in his stead and made two saves in his fourth appearance for the Fire. * Patrick Nyarko's goal in the 64th minute put an end to a record-setting 410 minute goalless drought for the Fire

Check out the Chicago Fire FC Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Major League Soccer Stories from March 24, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central