MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Top Pumas UNAM 1-0

July 21, 2010 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


The Chicago Fire rounded out SuperLiga 2010 with a hard fought victory as Wilman Conde's 35th minute header was enough to propel the Fire over Pumas UNAM 1-0 at TOYOTA PARK.

The Fire (1-2-0, 3 points) closed out SuperLiga 2010 on a positive note, but were eliminated from the annual tournament between MLS and Mexico Primera Division sides. Pumas UNAM (0-2-1, 1 point) was also eliminated from Group B action. New England Revolution (3-0-0, 9 points) and Monarcas Morelia (1-1-1, 4 points) move on to the SuperLiga semifinals in early August.

Fresh off his selection to the MLS All-Star team as a defender, Conde proved his worth on the other end of the field when he and Marco Pappa, the Fire's two MLS All-Star representatives, connected in the 35th minute to give the Fire the first half lead. Pappa sent a curving corner over the head of Pumas ‘keeper Sergio Bernal finding Conde at the back post. The 27-year-old Colombian quickly rose and powered a header into the back of the net to put the Fire on top 1-0.

A strong defensive performance played a major factor for the Fire, as rookie goalkeeper Sean Johnson earned his first professional shutout victory, facing 11 shots and making three saves. The Generation adidas product's 84th minute, sprawling one-handed save of Pumas midfielder Oscar Rojas' rebound blast preserved the Fire lead.

The Fire return to MLS league play when they kickoff the second half of the MLS season against the LA Galaxy at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on Sunday, Aug. 1 at 6:30 PM CT (FSC/FSE). The 11 days between matches should prove useful for the Fire, as the club looks to get a number of players back to full health, in addition to welcoming new Designated Player Nery Castillo to the fold.

On Sunday, Aug. 8 at 8:00 PM CT (ESPN2/ESPN Deportes), the Fire will take on former French World Cup Champion Thierry Henry and Eastern Conference rival Red Bull New York at TOYOTA PARK. For tickets, please call 1-888-MLS-FIRE (657-3473) or head to the club's official website at www.Chicago-Fire.com.

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Major League Soccer Stories from July 21, 2010


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