MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago suffers 2-0 loss at Los Angeles

Published on July 5, 2007 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CARSON, Calif. (July 4) - Penalty kicks proved to be the difference as the Chicago Fire fell 2-0 to the Los Angeles Galaxy before 24,333 Fourth of July observers at the Home Depot Center. The Fire are winless in nine of their last 10 MLS games (1-7-2).

In his first action since leading the United States to the CONCACAF Gold Cup title, Landon Donovan converted on penalty kicks at the 16th and 87th minute-marks. Fire goalkeeper Jon Busch anticipated both kicks well, but Donovan managed to blast each shot up the middle for his team-leading third and fourth goals of the season.

Busch finished with six saves in his first MLS start in over a year (dating to May 20, 2006).

"The issue for us tonight was the final third (of the field), we let ourselves down by not creating shots," said interim head coach Denis Hamlett. "That is an issue we've had to deal with, we just have to regroup and get ready for Saturday."

The Fire were outshot, 14-2, and tied a season-low mark with one shot on goal - a ball off the foot of defender C.J. Brown in the 70th minute that was blocked before it reached goalkeeper Joe Cannon.

"Obviously we are disappointed we came out with a loss," said forward Calen Carr. "We had a tie last week and wanted to build on that. We feel we are a pretty good team on the road, so there is a little bit of fustration not coming away with points."

Chicago (4-7-3) will play its third game in seven days this Saturday, hosting Toronto FC in a 7:30 p.m. CT start from TOYOTA PARK (Fox Soccer Channel).

Notes

- MF Bruno Menezes, who signed with the Fire last week, made his MLS debut in relief of Dasan Robinson.

- Captain Chris Armas appeared in his 250th MLS regular season game.

- The Fire have used 12 different starting lineups this season.

- Midfielder Kyle Martino drew fouls in the box that resulted in both PKs for the Galaxy (3-5-3).

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Major League Soccer Stories from July 5, 2007


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