MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Top Colorado Rapids 2-1 to Advance in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Qualifying

Published on March 31, 2011 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


PEORIA, Ill. (March 30, 2011) - Chicago Fire rookie Jalil Anibaba's wonder-strike and Gaston Puerari's cutting run and goal proved the difference as the Fire ousted the reigning MLS Cup Champion Colorado Rapids from Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Qualifying 2-1 Wednesday evening at Bradley University's Shea Stadium in Peoria, Ill.

With U.S. Open Cup a known Fire priority, head coach Carlos de los Cobos started all but two of the starting XI that defeated Sporting Kansas City 3-2 this past Saturday. Newly acquired Colombian defender Yamith Cuesta got the start in place of banged-up center back Josip Mikulic and Davis Paul stepped in for Marco Pappa, who was away with Guatemala on international duty. On the opposite bench, Rapids head coach Gary Smith opted for a group of mostly reserve players.

For the third time in as many games the Fire struck first, and for the third time in as many games it was a Uruguayan to open the scoring for the Men in Red. Diego Chaves gained possession at the top of the area before sending a leading ball into the box to his on-charging countrymen. Puerari took a touch before slotting a low driven shot past Rapids 'keeper Ian Joyce to give the Fire a 1-0 lead going into the half.

The Rapids equalized two minutes into the second half. Rapids forward Quincy Amarikwa played Andre Akpan into space on the right side. Akpan drove a ball just underneath a diving Sean Johnson and into the back of the net at the far post to level the match at 1-1.

The game winning goal came from an unlikely source as Fire rookie right back Anibaba collected the ball just over the midfield line in the 61st minute. After a two touches the North Carolina product blasted a logic-defying 40-yard rocket that beat Joyce to the near post to put the Fire ahead for good. Anibaba's amazing goal advances the Fire to the next round of U.S. Open Cup Qualifying. The Men in Red will play the winner of the Portland Timbers - San Jose Earthquakes match. Locations, dates and times to be announced at a later date.

With the weekend off from MLS league action the Fire will host the NSC Minnesota Stars in a Saturday morning scrimmage at the TOYOTA PARK practice field this Saturday, April 2 at 10 a.m. CT. The Fire return to league play Saturday, April 9 against Seattle Sounders FC at Qwest Field at 3:00 p.m. CT on CSN. The Men in Red will return home to TOYOTA PARK to face the LA Galaxy on Sunday, April 17 at 3:00 p.m. CT (TeleFutura). Chicago Fire Season Tickets, which include a ticket to the Chicago Fire - Manchester United match at Soldier Field, are available by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE (657-3473), or by heading to the club's official website at Chicago-Fire.com .

Notes:

* Puerari scored his second goal for the Fire and tallied his first goal in U.S. Open Cup Qualifying.

* The Fire are 12-1-1 in U.S. Open Cup action when leading at the half.

* Anibaba scored his first goal as a professional.

* Yamith Cuesta made his first start and appearance for the Fire since being acquired early this week.

* Fire rookie Davis Paul made his first start for de los Cobos' side.

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Major League Soccer Stories from March 31, 2011


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