MLS Chicago Fire FC

Fire Falls to Wizards 1-0 in U.S. Open Cup Final

Published on September 23, 2004 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


KANSAS CITY, MO (Wednesday, September 22, 2004) - The Chicago Fire was unable to defend its Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title, falling 1-0 to the Kansas City Wizards on Igor Simutenkov's golden goal in the 2004 edition of the U.S. Open Cup Wednesday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. The Fire has won the Open Cup three times (1998, 2000 and 2003) in its seven-year history.

Simutenkov's free kick goal gave the Wizards the first Open Cup title in the club's history, as the previous holders went down to defeat for the first time in four trips to the final of the USA's longest continuous sporting competition.

"We negated them quite a bit in the first half. In the second half as our tired legs started to emerge we got a little bit exposed but we missed a few chances that I think could have put us ahead," said Fire Head Coach Dave Sarachan. "I think we could have won the game tonight. Championship games are one-play games and they got the play at the end. Kansas City doesn't concede a lot of goals and we didn't have many looks at the goal tonight. I give credit to their defenders. In these kind of games, championship matches, everything is tight as it is and teams don't get a lot of looks. Overall, I'm very proud of my team."

With both teams looking to claim the first trophy on offer this season, play began with an attacking mindset from each team which led to a variety of ideas and some individual penetrations but nothing cohesive as passes and combinations went awry.

The Fire produced the first palpitation for Kansas City and the returning Tony Meola in the 15th minute as Jamaica international Andy Williams danced by Francisco Gomez on the end line to Meola's left where he crossed only to see the ball cleared in front of goal before a teammate could latch on.

In the 28th minute, after a scrum on the right wing deep in Chicago's half, Alex Zotinca whipped in a cross for Davy Arnaud who was able to escape Nate Jaqua's attention and hit a first-time screamer over the bar from only six yards out.

After being permitted only negligible attacks, the Fire nearly stole the lead through midfielder Logan Pause in the 43rd minute as he found a gaping hole in the right side of the Wizards defense. Pause streaked into the box and let go a tantalizing low shot begging for a Chicago tap-in only to see it slip past Meola's right post.

After the break, Wizards' head man Bob Gansler clearly wanted more as he inserted the slippery Simutenkov into the lineup for right winger Francisco Gomez. After some electric interchanging on the left side, Arnaud received the ball at the top right of Chicago's box, cut inside, and sent a left-footed screaming shot that blew just outside Fire 'keeper Henry Ring's left post in the 53rd minute.

Ring kept the Fire's hopes alive with a sprawling save to his right 16 minutes later as Kansas City strove to break the increasing tension. Fighting for possession 20 yards in front of Ring, Wolff stabbed a pass to the approaching Kerry Zavagnin who struck on goal only to see Ring push the ball aside.

The Fire began to exert control over the ball as midfielder Williams began to orchestrate sustained, yet fruitless, possessions inside the Wizards box as full time lurked nearer. Chiming along with Williams was forward Dipsy Selolwane who raced with Wizards defender Nick Garcia to through balls, though Garcia won out most times.

A bright glint of opportunity shone for K.C. in the 85th minute as Wolff pointed the attack with a pass for Diego Gutierrez that split two Fire defenders. Gutierrez was all alone for the moment until Ring smartly rushed out and forced Gutierrez to shoot wide.

Chicago held the momentum heading into the extra-time session. But from the overtime kickoff, Kansas City was the aggressor.

After a restart, Kansas City pushed forward and earned a free kick 19 yards out on the far left side of the Fire goal after Evan Whitfield fouled Wolff who had received the ball on the break.

Simutenkov stepped up and hit a low rocket that streaked through the wall surprising Ring, who could not get a full hand on the ball. The ball careened off the underside of the crossbar and bounced over the goal line to give the Wizards possession of the Dewar Trophy, and the club honor to the competition's namesake.

The Fire returns to Chicago Thursday afternoon and will practice from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Lake Forest College. The team is preparing for its league match this Saturday, when it hosts the New England Revolution in a crucial match. Kick-off is set for 8:00 p.m. CT from Soldier Field.

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Major League Soccer Stories from September 23, 2004


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