Fire beats Charleston Battery in pre-season action
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CHARLESTON, S.C. (Feb. 20, 2013) – The Chicago Fire defeated the Charleston Battery 2-1 Wednesday evening at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C. After falling behind in the 11th minute, goals from Austin Berry and Alex lifted the Men in Red to record its second straight Carolina Challenge Cup victory.
The hosts opened scoring in the 11th minute when Nicki Patterson split the Fire defense and played a square ball through to Jose Cuevas who slotted the ball under a sliding Paolo Tornaghi to give the Battery the 1-0 lead.
The Fire would pull level in the 28th minute. Chris Rolfe collected the ball on the right flank and turned towards goal, nutmegged the Battery defender and was dragged down 35 yards from goal. Joel Lindpere whipped in the ensuing free kick into the penalty area and found Austin Berry at the spot. The reigning MLS Rookie of the Year rose above his defender to head the ball down and shielded the ball as it rolled over the line for the equalizer.
The Fire continued to press and came close to taking the lead in the 38th minute. Newly minted midfielder Dilly Duka collected the ball on the left sideline, fought off his defender and unleashed a shot from the top of the 18-yard box that ricocheted off the right post.
Head Coach Frank Klopas made nine substitutions at the half as he continues to evaluate players for his final roster decisions.
As the game wound down and looked to end in a draw, Maicon Santos received the ball and played a square ball to his countryman. Alex took a touch and unleashed a right-footed blast from 30 yards out that bended past the Charleston ‘keeper for the late 90th minute game-winner.
With two wins to their credit, the Fire sit atop the standings of the Carolina Challenge Cup. The Houston Dynamo and Vancouver Whitecaps FC are tied with three points and the Charleston Battery have zero.
The Fire close out Carolina Challenge Cup play when they face Vancouver Whitecaps FC at 4:00 p.m. CT at Blackbaud Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 23. Watch the match live on USLNation.com.
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Chicago Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson has been selected by U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann for the upcoming international friendly against Belgium.
The Chicago Fire defeated the Columbus Crew 2-1 to advance to the quarterfinal round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
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Substitute Daniel Paladini scored on a 26-yard free kick in the 82nd minute to lift the Chicago Fire into a 2-2 draw with the Portland Timbers on Saturday night.
Substitute Daniel Paladini scored on a 26-yard free kick in the 82nd minute to lift the Chicago Fire into a 2-2 draw with the Portland Timbers on Saturday night.
Monday, June 3 2013 1:46 AM EDT2013-06-03 05:46:38 GMT
An own goal knocked in by D.C. midfielder Nick DeLeon and a late score by Chicago newcomer Mike Magee gave the Fire a 2-0 victory over the United on Sunday.
An own goal knocked in by D.C. midfielder Nick DeLeon and a late score by Chicago newcomer Mike Magee gave the Fire a 2-0 victory over the United on Sunday.
Thursday, May 16 2013 3:20 PM EDT2013-05-16 19:20:17 GMT
Chicago Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson has been selected by U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann for the upcoming international friendly against Belgium.
Chicago Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson has been selected by U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann for the upcoming international friendly against Belgium.
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Jack McInerney scored his league-leading seventh goal of the season Saturday and Zac MacMath made six saves to lead the Philadelphia Union to a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire.
Jack McInerney scored his league-leading seventh goal of the season Saturday and Zac MacMath made six saves to lead the Philadelphia Union to a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire.
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Wells Thompson has been suspended one game and fined an undisclosed amount for his challenge on Columbus Crew midfielder Agustín Viana in the 12th minute of the match on Saturday, April 20.
Wells Thompson has been suspended one game and fined an undisclosed amount for his challenge on Columbus Crew midfielder Agustín Viana in the 12th minute of the match on Saturday, April 20.
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Brad Davis had a goal and an assist, and the Houston Dynamo set an MLS record for longest home unbeaten streak in all competitions with a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire on Sunday.
Brad Davis had a goal and an assist, and the Houston Dynamo set an MLS record for longest home unbeaten streak in all competitions with a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire on Sunday.
Sunday, April 7 2013 8:59 PM EDT2013-04-08 00:59:12 GMT
Maicon Santos scored twice and Daniel Paladini had a goal and two assists to lead the Chicago Fire to a 3-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Sunday.
Maicon Santos scored twice and Daniel Paladini had a goal and two assists to lead the Chicago Fire to a 3-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Sunday.
Saturday, March 9 2013 11:09 PM EST2013-03-10 04:09:28 GMT
Forward Jerry Bengtson scored in the 62nd minute, goalkeeper Matt Reis made four saves and the New England Revolution opened their season with a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire on Saturday night.
Forward Jerry Bengtson scored in the 62nd minute, goalkeeper Matt Reis made four saves and the New England Revolution opened their season with a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire on Saturday night.
