With the U.S. Open Cup Final looming and vital MLS league matches on the horizon, the Fire departed the Windy City on a 7,300 mile, three-city, nine-day road swing with the fate of the 2011 campaign hanging in the balance.
Tuesday began with a rainy training session in Chicago. Interim head man Frank Klopas worked with the full side as the Men in Red prepared to challenge Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium Wednesday evening. Following the brief training session the traveling party boarded a bus and left Toyota Park behind for the Beehive State.
The Men in Red arrived at the foot of the Wasatch Front searching for vital points and their second road victory of the season. The Fire jumped out to a 1-0 lead on Marco Pappa’s 10th minute goal quieting the feisty sellout crowd at Rio Tinto Stadium. It was apparent from the opening whistle that both teams shared a distaste for one another and things turned ugly when Real Salt Lake captain Kyle Beckerman was sent off for head butting Daniel Paladini. With a man advantage, the Fire rode Pappa’s three sensational goals for a 3-0 victory and three points on the road. It was the Fire’s first victory at RSL’s soccer specific home and the first win in Salt Lake since August 18,2007.
The Fire woke early Thursday morning to do regeneration in the pool as they prepare to travel to Texas this afternoon to take on the Houston Dynamo at Robertson Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 3:00 p.m. (TeleFutura).
Check out the full March to the Cup Day 1 Gallery at www.facebook.com/chicagofire.
