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MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Tripped Up By Real Salt Lake 1-0

July 9, 2010 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


The Chicago Fire were upended by reigning MLS Cup Champions Real Salt Lake in a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference Final, and again a penalty kick figured into the equation, as Robbie Findley's 40th minute spot-kick gave RSL a 1-0 victory over the Fire at TOYOTA PARK.

The Fire (4-5-5, 17 points) lost their second consecutive match and first all-time at TOYOTA PARK to Real Salt Lake (9-3-3, 30 points). With a number of Fire players on the mend from injuries, Fire Head Coach Carlos de los Cobos went with a different lineup for the 10th time this season. Rookie defenders Steven Kinney and Kwame Watson-Siriboe got the call to shore up the ailing back line, second-year forward Stefan Dimitrov started up front and Wilman Conde took on a defensive midfield role for the first time this season.

Findley, fresh off his return from the 2010 FIFA World Cup tallied the lone goal for RSL. The U.S. Men's national team forward, in his first start since returning from South Africa, made a run into the left corner of the Fire's area and upon contact with Fire defender CJ Brown went to ground. Referee Terry Vaughn showed no hesitation as he pointed to the spot, awarding RSL the penalty. Findley calmly slotted the ball inside the right post easily beating Fire ‘keeper Andrew Dykstra to give the Claret-and-Cobalt a 1-0 lead.

Making his MLS debut, Kinney filled in admirably, establishing himself on both sides of the ball. The Elon University product almost equalized for the Fire in the 48th minute, heading a Mike Banner corner kick off the right post. A sense of déjà vu ensued nine minutes later, this time with Banner sending a lofted corner and Kinney banging it off the left post.

The Fire were unable to pull level, and Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando earned his fifth straight shutout victory and the defending MLS Cup Champions extended their unbeaten streak to 10 games (8-0-2).

The Fire take a break from MLS play as they turn their focus to SuperLiga 2010. The Fire return to SuperLiga after falling to Tigres UANL on penalties in the 2009 championship match at TOYOTA PARK. The Men in Red will face off against Mexican club Monarcas Morelia on Wednesday, July 14 at 8:30 PM CT (TeleFutura). Fans holding a ticket for the Fire's first 2010 SuperLiga match may arrive at 4:00 PM CT to watch legendary English side Manchester United train at TOYOTA PARK. For a full SuperLiga schedule click here. For tickets and more information on how to purchase ticket packages, 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 9, 2010


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