MLS Chicago Fire FC

Fire Fall to Toronto, 3-1, In MLS action

Published on May 12, 2007 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


TORONTO (May 12) - The Chicago Fire were part of Major League Soccer history on Saturday, but not the kind to coach Dave Sarachan's liking. Chris Rolfe scored in his third straight game, however, Chicago was on the wrong end of a 3-1 loss to Toronto FC before a sold out crowd of 20,041 at BMO Field. The victory was the first for the Toronto (1-4-0) expansion franchise while Chicago (3-2-1) dropped its second straight.

Toronto scored twice in the second half to break a 1-1 deadlock between the Eastern Conference teams. Kevin Goldthwaite provided the game-winner in the 51st minute. With the Chicago defense overloaded on the left side, Edson Buddle found Goldthwaite deep in the box, who tucked a left-footed shot inside the far post. Mo Johnston's squad added a similar goal in the 74th minute when reserve Andrea Lombardo connected with Maurice Edu, who finished a shot from eight yards out over the shoulder of goalkeeper Matt Pickens.

"The odds were in their favor to score goals and to win a game. At the end of the day, we beat ourselves, I give Toronto credit," said Fire head coach Dave Sarachan. "Our defense the last two games has not been what it was when we started the season, we have to find a way to figure it out."

Toronto, held scoreless in its first four games, tallied its first historic goal when Danny Dichio finished a loose ball in the penalty area in the 24th minute. Chicago answered in the 37th minute on Chris Rolfe's left-footed blast from atop the penalty arc. Just seconds earlier, Thiago placed a corner kick in the box that was redirected by a Toronto defender but collected by Rolfe, who extended his points streak to a MLS-high six games.

The teams played 10 aside in the second half after emotions spilled over just before halftime. Chicago's Diego Gutierrez and Dichio became entangled in front of the net, resulting in ejections for both players. As a result, Gutierrez will miss Thursday's encounter against FC Dallas at TOYOTA PARK (7 p.m. CT/ESPN2).

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Major League Soccer Stories from May 12, 2007


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