The Chicago Fire came into Tuesday’s game against the UNAM Pumas in last place in Group B with no chance of advancing. Pumas on the other hand were in third place and had a slim chance of advancing. They needed a loss by Morelia and a five-goal win over the Fire. The Former came true, as the New England Revolution continued their unexpected run by beating Morelia 1-0. Unfortunately, this meant little for Pumas, because they were unable to muster even a single goal against the Fire.
For a team that needed not only a win, but at least five goals, it was a very disappointing effort by Pumas, who came out uninspired from the get-go. In the 35th minute, Fire defender Wilman Conde headed in the deciding goal off a corner from midfielder Marco Pappa, both of whom are MLS All-Stars. Pumas was unable to answer back, losing 1-0.
By: Justin Mertes-Mistretta
The story of the game was goalie Sean Johnson, who made his second-consecutive start in place of Andrew Dykstra. Johnson followed up his solid performance against New England with a spectacular shutout Tuesday. He finished the game with three key saves, one of which was a diving stop that was sure to be a goal.
“He [Johnson] has done very well,” McBride said. “He’s progressed throughout the season. I know a lot of people haven’t had a chance to see him, but the talent is there. We see it every day in practice.”
With the win, the Fire was able to salvage a third-place finish in the group with three points, only one point away from advancing. It was a great recovery that hopefully they can carry back into the MLS season.
With the defense playing the way it is and Johnson only conceding one goal in his past two games, the Fire may have more going for them than people think. Now, add in the fact that they just signed Mexican forward Nery Castillo and this team could cause a lot of trouble for opposing teams in the second-half of the MLS season.
Read more articles by Justin Mertes-Mistretta here.
Also, follow him on Twitter at MertesMist_TSB.