The nail in Chicago’s playoff hopes was effectively smashed into the coffin last night, as the Fire, riding a four game unbeaten streak and facing a team that hadn’t won since July, came to Buck Shaw Stadium to face and get shut out by the equally struggling San Jose Earthquakes. The loss, their eighth of the season, in essence made next month’s US Open Cup Final the only thing left to play for in the 2011 season.
Chicago realistically never had a chance in this one. San Jose controlled possession most of the match, and lineup shuffling led to a labored effort in nearly every position. In the 9th minute, the Earthquakes struck as Dan Gargan left Chris Wondolowski completely unmarked. Rafael Baca’s cross found Wondo’s foot, who picked it out of mid air and redirected it past Sean Johnson. Gargan would have a chance to redeem himself in the 17th minute, as an overlapping run was met by a perfect pass forward by Patrick Nyarko. Gargan attempted to go near post against SJ keeper Jon Busch, but his strike found the woodwork, bouncing away and out of danger. That play would be one of many that would sum up Chicago’s night.
Chicago, as has been noted elsewhere, continued their 2011 trend of playing to the level of whatever team they are facing. This match was not a case of San Jose playing better than Chicago. The Earthquakes surrendered unforced turnovers, errant passes, and choppy, disorganized play throughout the game. It was more a case of Chicago dumming down their game below San Jose’s. That’s where much of the malaise for this Fire squad lies. A team worthy of playoff contention wins games like this. They play their game, not the game of their opposition, and they certainly don’t let things like a shuffled lineup dissuade them. The Fire performance throughout the match smacked of uncertainty. With the exception of the final 15 minutes of the first half, they did very little in the way of threatening or pressuring San Jose in any way.
The one standout in an otherwise horrible match was Chicago keeper Sean Johnson. Johnson, even in a loss, played one of his best games of the season. He turned away a 52nd minute PK by Wondolowski, and made numerous excellent saves throughout the game that could’ve easily turned this match into a bloodbath.
Game Notes
-With an unnecessary 57th minute yellow card, Dan Gargan will miss Saturday’s Chivas USA game dur to accumulation.
-In 2011, the Fire are winless on the West Coast, an abysmal 0-5-2.
-Chicago faces Chivas Guadalajara on Wednesday in a meaningless friendly, then faces Chivas USA on short rest in a matinee match Saturday afternoon.
Image courtesey of Getty Images
