Chicago Fire head coach Carlos de los Cobos saw his team endure a mixed performance against the New York Red Bulls in pre-season action last Wednesday, but one aspect the second-year MLS coach was impressed with was the play of his new defense.
With a three-man backline that at times morphed into a four and five-man backline, Chicago drew 1-1 with a stacked and technically-gifted New York Red Bulls team. The defense may have given up a first-half goal, but that came on a pinpoint Joel Lindpere shot from about 22 yards out that crept inside the far post.
For much of the match, Chicago's new defense - which consisted of rookie Jalil Anibaba, new addition Cory Gibbs and Josip Mikulic - frustrated Thierry Henry, Juan Agudelo and the rest of the Red Bulls' attack. The Fire defense and goalkeeper Sean Johnson also received helped from midfielders/wingbacks Patrick Nyarko and Gonzalo Segares.
To read the rest of this story, visit Soccer By Ives.
