MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Tie Kansas City Wizards 1-1

Published on October 5, 2008 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


KANSAS CITY, KS (Oct. 5, 2008) - The Chicago Fire (12-9-6, 42 pts.) tied the Kansas City Wizards (8-10-9 33 pts.) 1-1 today at Community America Ballpark in front of a sellout crowd of 10,385. Midfielder Cuauhtémoc Blanco scored in his second consecutive game, converting on a penalty kick at the close of the first half, for the Fire's lone goal of the match. With the tie, the Fire remain in third place in the Eastern Conference Standings, one point behind New England (43 pts.), and 11 points behind the conference leading Columbus (53 pts.).

- With the tie, the Fire (42 pts.) remain in third place in the Eastern Conference standings.

- Blanco opened scoring with a penalty kick goal in stoppage time (46+') of the first half. The Fire was awarded with the penalty kick opportunity after Michael Harrington was called for a hand ball in the 18-yard box.

- Kansas City leveled the score in the 48th minute as midfielder Josh Wolff sent a ball to Harrington who redirected the ball into the back of the net.

- After picking up a card in the 5th minute, Thorrington will be forced to serve a one game suspension next week versus Columbus due to yellow card accumulation.

- Jon Busch leads the league in shutouts (10), goals against average (.96), save percentage (80.8%), and saves (110).

- The Fire are 8-1-2 when leading at the half.

- The Fire are second in the league in goal differential (+9: 35 GF, 26 GA) behind Columbus (+15; 46 GF, 31 GA).

- Chicago is 3-4-2 in day games.

- Chicago is 0-4-2 when playing in their all white secondary uniforms.

- Denis Hamlett: "I think we stuck to our game plan today and we had some good chances on the counter attack. They had one good counter and they punished us. Obviously we felt like we could have taken the three points and we came in here looking for the three points, but we'll take our point on the road, regroup, and get ready for next week."

- Jon Busch on the goal: "It was a good goal. We'll look at it on tape and see if we can learn from the situation, but you stretch as far as you can and the shot lands just inches off the post so really, it was just a great shot. At the end of the day, what matters is wins and losses and we'll keep working through the last three regular season games."

- The Chicago Fire will return to MLS action on Sunday, Oct. 12, as they host the Columbus Crew at TOYOTA PARK (2 p.m., TeleFutura, My50).

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