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MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Upended by Seattle Sounders FC 1-0

September 25, 2010 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CHICAGO, IL - Seattle Sounders FC forward Blaise Nkufo snuck the ball past Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson in the 88th minute to give Seattle Sounders FC a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire at TOYOTA PARK.

Steve Zakuani sent a weighted ball into the space on the left side, finding a hustling Nkufo with room to work. The Swiss Designated Player dribbled to the touchline, cut back and blasted a shot that deflected off of a sliding C.J. Brown and under Johnson for the game's lone goal.

The loss drops the Fire to 6-10-8, with 26 points and leaves the Men in Red 12 points back of the Colorado Rapids for the 8th and final MLS Cup Playoff spot with six games to play. The Fire suffered its third loss of the season at home and extend the winless streak to seven games.

Treating the game as a must-win, the Fire blitzed Sounders FC early, nearly taking the lead when Marco Pappa darted in on goal in Seattle's offensive third. The Fire's leading scorer fired a low, driven shot, but was unable to power his effort under Seattle Sounders FC goalkeeper Kasey Keller in the 4th minute.

The Fire came close to breaking the deadlock again in the 29th minute, when former Sounder Freddie Ljungberg found John Thorrington wide open just inside the 18-yard box on the right side. The 31-year-old veteran took a touch toward goal and sliced an unselfish pass toward a cutting Calen Carr, but the cross was deflected before it could reach its intended target.

The Fire aim to keep its playoff hopes alive when they depart on the second to last road trip of the season, a West Coast swing, which pits the Fire against the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 10:00PM CT (CLTV/Comcast SportsNet Chicago Plus). From San Jose, the Fire head to Dallas to battle for the Brimstone Cup on Saturday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 PM CT (FSC/FSE). Following the Western Conference duels, the club celebrates its 13th Anniversary against the Columbus Crew on Friday, Oct. 8 at 8:00 PM CT (Comcast SportsNet). 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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