MLS Chicago Fire FC

Fire pick up three important points at home thanks to a Nyarko header goal

Published on August 1, 2009 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CHICAGO, IL - The Chicago Fire (8-3-8, 32 pts.) defeated Real Salt Lake (6-8-5, 23 pts.) 1-0 tonight at TOYOTA PARK. With the win, the Fire picked up three points that keep the team in second place in the Eastern Conference standings - just one point behind the Columbus Crew who also picked up three points tonight. After a scoreless first half, Fire forward Patrick Nyarko scored the game-winning goal in the 76th minute. Goalkeeper Jon Busch recorded his seventh shutout of the season. With tonight's clean sheet, the Fire posted their fourth consecutive shutout for 374 minutes without allowing a goal. The Fire return to action on Wednesday, Aug. 5 when the team plays Tigres UANL in the SuperLiga 2009 Final at TOYOTA PARK (7 p.m. CT, TeleFutura).

Despite a number of scoring opportunities, eight shots for Salt Lake and four shots by Chicago in the first 45 minutes, neither team was able to find the back of the net in the first half.

The Fire scored the game-winning goal in the 76th minute of play with a header goal from forward Patrick Nyarko. Midfielder Tim Ward thwarted two defenders on the left side of the field and placed a cross behind the Salt Lake defense inside the box. Nyarko sprinted into the area a step ahead of defender Tony Beltran and got a head on the ball, redirecting it inside the right post for the game-winning goal. The goal is his fourth of the season and his second game-winner.

With seven shutouts, goalkeeper Jon Busch is currently tied with Zach Thornton for second most in the league. The 2008 MLS Goalkeeper of the year has allowed just 20 goals through 19 games played, for a goals against average of 1.05 - tied for fifth best in the league. The shutout streak of four games, 374 minutes, upheld by the Fire defense is the fourth longest in the league through the 2009 season.

The Fire will look to extend their undefeated streak in MLS league play on Sunday, Aug. 9th, when the team travels to Houston to take on the Dynamo (7:30 p.m. CT, Direct Kick package).

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