MLS Chicago Fire FC

Fire Downs U.S. U-17s 2-0

Published on February 19, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CHICAGO, IL (Wednesday, February 19, 2003) -- The Chicago Fire downed the U.S. Under-17 National Team 2-0 today in the team's third preseason match at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Fire forward and 2003 second-round pick Damani Ralph tallied the game-winning goal in the 28th minute, helping the "Men in Red" to its first victory of the preseason. The match also marked Fire Head Coach Dave Sarachan's first win with his new team.

In the 28th minute, former Fire player and camp invitee John Wolyniec sent midfielder DaMarcus Beasley a great through ball near the left side of the box. The U.S. World Cup star blasted his effort from the top of the box but his shot was saved. The loose ball landed at the feet of Ralph, who fired the rebound past the U-17 goalkeeper and into the upper corner of the net to give the Fire the early lead. The goal marked Ralph's second in three games.

The Fire struck again in the second half with a 72nd minute tally from second-half sub Craig Capano. The play started when Fire forward Nate Jaqua played a square ball to teammate Ryan Futagaki, who found Capano unmarked. The 17-year old midfielder went one-on-one with the goalkeeper and unleashed his shot from 10 yards out, sealing the victory and improving the Fire's record to 1-2-0 in the preseason.

The Fire will face the MetroStars - led by former Fire boss Bob Bradley - on Saturday, February 22 from the IMG Academy.

Scoring Summary: CHI: Damani Ralph (DaMarcus Beasley, John Wolyniec) 28'; Craig Capano (Ryan Futagaki, Nate Jaqua) 72' U-17: None

Fire Lineup (4-4-2): GK-Zach Thornton (Henry Ring 31, Curtis Spinteri 61), D-C.J. Brown, D-Carlos Bocanegra, D-Orlando Perez (Nick Walls 46), D-Kelly Gray (Jim Curtin 46), M-Evan Whitfield, M-Logan Pause (Craig Capano 46), M-DaMarcus Beasley (Marco Feruzzi 46), M-Leighton O'Brien (Ryan Mack 46), F-Damani Ralph (Nate Jaqua 46), F-John Wolyniec (Phil Swenda 46).

2003 Chicago Fire Preseason Results

Date Opponent Site Score Record
2-12 U.S. U-17 National Team IMG Academy-Bradenton, FL 1-2 0-1-0
2-15 UCF Golden Eagles IMG Academy-Bradenton, FL 0-1 0-2-0
2-19 U.S. U-17 National Team IMG Academy-Bradenton, FL 2-0 1-2-0

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Major League Soccer Stories from February 19, 2003


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