MLS Chicago Fire FC

Fire drops 2-1 decision to UCLA

Published on March 9, 2007 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CARSON, Calif. (March 9, 2007) - The Chicago Fire closed the west coast leg of training camp with a 2-1 setback to UCLA at the Home Depot Center Friday morning.

With the majority of Fire veteran players watching from the sidelines, the Bruins struck twice in the opening half. David Estrada finished a header off Sal Zizzo's cross in the 18th minute, which was followed by a successful penalty kick from Michael Stephens in the 21st minute.

Chicago closed to within a goal in the 36th minute when Calen Carr tapped in a rebound in front of goalkeeper Brian Perk, who seconds earlier turned away a Thiago shot at the doorstep.

The Fire dominated the second half of play, but couldn't find the equalizer despite several quality scoring opportunities. Fire goalkeeper David Mahoney started the contest before being spelled by Nick Noble in the second half. Noble, a product of West Virginia University, recorded one of the game's best saves, stopping James Jaramillo point-blank in the 52nd minute.

Dave Sarachan's squad returns to Chicago for a five-day break before resuming training camp in Norman, Okla., March 15-18. The Fire returns to exhibition action on St. Patrick's Day, taking on FC Dallas at the University of Oklahoma.

Notes: Chicago owns a 4-4-1 preseason mark with three exhibitions left before the Major League Soccer (MLS) opener on April 7 ... the Bruins are coached by Jorge Salcedo, who played for the Fire in 1998 ... UCLA advanced to last year's NCAA Soccer Cup Final.

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