MLS FC Dallas

FC Dallas ties Chicago Fire 1-1 in front of sell-out crowd at Pizza Hut Park

Published on March 19, 2011 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Dallas News Release


FRISCO, Texas - FC Dallas played its Brimestone Cup rivals the Chicago Fire to a 1-1 draw in front of the largest opening-day crowd in Pizza Hut Park history Saturday night.

Riding the momentum from FC Dallas' run to MLS Cup in 2010, the sell-out crowd of 20,145 packed Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas, but it was the Fire that struck first in the 17th minute on a goal by Diego Chavez. The score came on a Fire free kick taken by Marco Pappa, 45 yards from goal. Pappa looped a ball over the Dallas backline to the far post, where FC Dallas captain Daniel Hernandez won the 50-50 ball, but was unable to clear it from danger. Cory Gibbs found the loose ball and got off a half-deflected shot, which FC Dallas goalkeeper Kevin Hartman volleyed to his left. However, Hartman's save rebounded directly to Gaston Puerari, who walked the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead.

Down a goal early, FC Dallas fired back just two minutes later when left back Zach Loyd displayed some nice moves down the left flank. After beating one defender, Loyd cut to the outside and around a second defender before delivering a sharp pass in to the feet of Milton Rodriguez. Working his way across the top of the six-yard box, Rodriguez redirected the pass with his heel to send the ball to the back post past Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson. The pass earned Loyd his first career MLS assist.

Chicago's Diego Chavez opened the second half by blasting a shot off the crossbar from six yards out, but referee Terry Vaughn stunned the capacity crowd at Pizza Hut Park when he sent center back Brek Shea off in the 55th minute for denying a goal-scoring opportunity. On the play, Shea recovered to catch Puerari, who was otherwise in-alone on goal. As the two came together, Shea raised his arms to indicate there was no contact on the play, but Vaughn was not deterred. He flashed the red card immediately, ruling that Shea had denied Chicago a goal-scoring opportunity by bringing down Puerari. The call forced FC Dallas to play down a man for the remainder of the match.

The man advantage nearly paid off for Chicago in the 61st minute. FC Dallas got caught with too many players forward and Chicago was rewarded with a three-on-one breakaway attempt. The lone defender, Jackson stepped to the ball only to leave Puerari to the inside and in alone on Hartman. In perfect position, Hartman stood tall and stonewalled Puerari with a kick-save to his left to keep the match tied 1-1.

FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman brought on veteran center back Ugo Ihemelu in the 63rd minute and Andrew Jacobson in the 73rd minute, in an attempt to shore-up his team's defense. The move appeared to work as Dallas gained an edge in possession nearing the 80th minute. The defending Western Conference Champions won several corner kick opportunities, but could not get any quality looks at Johnson.

Having exerted themselves in an attempt to go for the win at home, FC Dallas gave up two big chances in the final minutes. The first shot from distance earned Chicago a corner kick as Hartman was forced to parry a shot from Fire captain Logan Pause over the crossbar. Moments later, Hartman again saved the home side with a full-extension save to his right to deny Pappa.

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