Fire midfielder Justin Mapp scores game-winning goal
Published on June 24, 2009 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release
CHICAGO, IL (June 23, 2009) - The Chicago Fire defeated Chivas USA 1-0 tonight in SuperLiga group play at TOYOTA PARK. Chicago Fire midfielder Justin Mapp scored the game-winning goal for the Fire in the 35th minute of play, while goalkeeper Jon Busch recorded his second shutout of the tournament. The Fire currently sit at the top of the Group A standings with six points earned in two games.
In the 35th minute, forward Patrick Nyarko attempted to slip a ball across the field to Mapp running into the box. The Chivas USA defense stopped the cross at the top of the box, but did not clear the ball. Mapp picked up the loose ball, sending a shot into the net past former Fire goalkeeper Zach Thornton for the game-winner.
"It was real hard tonight," said Fire head coach Denis Hamlett. "It was hot, muggy, and a quick turn around from last game. I'm real proud of the group as far as playing as a team and making it hard for Chivas."
The Fire will next face Tigres UANL of the Mexican Primera Division on Saturday, June 27 (7 p.m. CT, TOYOTA PARK) in their final game of SuperLiga Group A play. The top two teams from each group (A and B) will advance to the tournament semifinals on July 15th, locations and times to be announced at a later date. Chicago is competing for the first time in the third annual competition, which pits top soccer teams from Mexico and the United States against each other for local bragging rights and one of the biggest purses in the region. The third annual Superliga tournament showcases the budding rivalry between top teams from Mexico and MLS.
Major League Soccer Stories from June 24, 2009
- Late Goal Lifts Rapids to 1-1 Draw with FC Dallas - Colorado Rapids
- Kansas City Wizards Remain Undefeated in SuperLiga - Sporting Kansas City
- Reds get second win over New York in 11 days - Toronto FC
- Revs Earn 1-1 Draw with Wizards - New England Revolution
- Chivas USA acquires midfielder Kevin Harmse from Toronto FC - Club Deportivo Chivas USA
- Toronto FC Completes Deal With Chivas USA - Toronto FC
- Toronto Debuts Pinks Jerseys Tonight in Support of Breast Cancer - Toronto FC
- Decisive SuperLiga match vs. San Luis this Saturday - Club Deportivo Chivas USA
- Fire midfielder Justin Mapp scores game-winning goal - Chicago Fire FC
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