The measure of a season’s success for any team does not come from any one individual game. It’s easy, however, to look back at pivotal points in the course of a season to indicate where momentum is gained or lost. It is becoming more and more obvious to those in and around Chicago that where the Fire currently sit has become a defining moment in their 2011 season.
Chicago Fire have certainly had their share of down moments and heartbreaking losses (and draws) in the 2011 campaign. After a frustrating draw on their home pitch against DC United, the Fire seemed to bring together the necessary elements, even during that match, to finally turn the corner and translate solid performances into wins. They took the positive elements of their play against DC, in a game they should have won save for a botched offsides call, and carried forward what they learned to their next match just a few days later against Toronto FC. Their game against Toronto brought with it joy for Chicago fans as well as the organization, as the Fire were finally able to enjoy a victory on their home field for the first time in nearly five months.
It was that momentum they continued to carry forward into Saturday night’s match against the MLS Cup champion Colorado Rapids, a team that was riding a six-game unbeaten streak behind strong play from Jeff Larentowicz and Caleb Folan. Chicago was confident coming in, however, and knew they had to be equal to the task if they hoped to best a team currently sitting in 4th place in a tough Western Conference.
From the opening minutes, Chicago pressed early and often offensively. In the 6th minute, Marco Pappa missed a sitter he’s sure to want back, as Patrick Nyarko, who was creating offensively almost all night, blazed up the left side after stealing the ball from Kosuke Kimura, and served the ball to a wide open Pappa at close range. Pappa’s touch failed him, however, as his attempt sailed high over goal. In spite of missing a sitter, Pappa had a strong game, showing plenty of hustle on both sides of the ball.
Chicago would ultimately go up early regardless, as in the 17th minute, striker Dominic Oduro made what has become his signature in 2011. After receiving a beautiful ball from midfielder Pavel Pardo, Oduro blew past Rapids defender Tyrone Marshall, angling in before sending a low blast by Pickens to put Chicago up 1-0. The goal, Oduro’s 4th in the last 5 games, should easily put him in the running for MLS Player of the Month.
Although Oduro’s goal was ultimately all that was needed to beat the defending MLS Cup champs, Chicago would add to their tally later in the 35th minute, as Cory Gibbs would connect on the end of a Sebastian Grazzini cross to make it 2-0 for the Men in Red.
Colorado would push back on the Fire occasionally throughout the rest of the match, notably getting solid scoring chances in the 40th and 84th minutes, but to no avail. The latter chance was easily the more dangerous, as Daniel Paladini, who came on at the half for an injured Pavel Pardo, made a goal line save to keep the shutout in tact for Chicago GK Sean Johnson. The Fire would then see out the rest of the match, keeping Colorado in check as they did much of the game.
Chicago will now turn around on just a few days rest to face Richmond Kickers in their US Open Cup semi-final match on Tuesday night at Toyota Park. Richmond, who was knocked out of the USL semi’s by Orlando City tonight 3-0, will have a last push to get beyond the Fire and to the Open Cup final. The Fire cannot take them lightly, however, as Richmond has handled MLS sides Columbus and Sporting KC, both teams Chicago has beaten in their 2011 season. In addition, it’s likely that, with their exit from the USL playoff picture, they will throw all their cards down in an attempt to advance and face either FC Dallas or Seattle. Chicago knows this, however, as Frank Klopas plans on trotting out his best XI against Richmond for the match. Chicago has to hope that their current two game run in MLS play, as well as Richmond’s defeat on the same night, will work in their favor come gametime.
Game Notes
Speedy Golden Boots – With tonight’s tally, Dominic Oduro is tied for 5th in the league in goals scored. He shares the honor with New York’s Dwayne De Rosario, and is just 3 goals behind league leader Theirry Henry.
Bad behavior – With his yellow card infraction tonight, Gonzalo Segares will miss the Fire’s next MLS match against San Jose Earthquakes. It will be his first match without a start in MLS play in 2011, as Segares has played all but eight minutes of the 2011 season.
Head games – Cory Gibbs’ goal against Colorado, his second of the season, came off a header. Gibbs’ first goal, also a header, came against San Jose at Toyota Park, exactly three months ago on May 28th. In addition, Gibbs has also scored a goal in the World Football Challenge against Manchester United. The method? Yep, header.
August is for the new guys – Many have touted the play of Chicago since the injection of Mexican international Pavel Pardo and Argentine Sebastian Grazzini into the Fire lineup, and for good reason. In the month of August, Chicago has scored 10 goals. Pardo or Grazzini have had a hand in 8 of them.
Don’t look now, but….. – With tonight’s win, and with games in hand among teams surrounding them in the table, Chicago sits just 5 points back of the final playoff spot with 8 games to play. Those who enjoy speculation have said that teams in the East with a solid chance at the playoff race will need 42 points to make the cut. If that holds true, it means that Chicago will need to gain 15 points out of a possible 24 points available, a prospect that seemed far more out of reach just a few short weeks ago.
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