BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- Chicago Fire forward Mike Magee had plenty of chances in his debut with his hometown team, and he finally broke through in the 85th minute of Chicago's 2-0 win Sunday evening against D.C. United at Toyota Park.
A floundering United team had already given the Fire a 1-0 lead, courtesy of an own goal from Nick DeLeon. D.C. held 63 percent of possession and had their chances, but a bad bounce put them in another early hole. The shutout was the United's eighth of the season.
DeLeon's gift to the Fire came in the ninth minute, when Jeff Larentowicz deflected a free kick cross from Joel Lindpere into the head of the United's DeLeon.
Connor Shanosky almost leveled the scoring in the 16th minute when his header off of a Kyle Porter corner kick went just over the bar. Dwayne De Rosario likely had the United's best chance in the 38th minute, but his shot from a few yards outside the box drilled the crossbar after beating Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson.
In the 58th minute, a header from Chris Rolfe sprung Magee free on a breakaway, but his touch took him away from goal and a shot from a tough angle went wide.
Magee once again took advantage of the abundant space behind the D.C. defense when Maicon Santos played him through in the 83rd minute, but his shot was stymied by goalkeeper Joe Willis.
The Chicago-native finally scored in the 85th minute when Patrick Nyarko played him a through ball into the box, and he slotted a shot into the lower corner.
OPTA Chalkboard: United dominate possession, but Fire roll at home
D.C. haven't won in their last 11 matches and have scored just twice in their last six. They'll head to New England next week to face a Revolution side that have won three straight, including a 5-0 win over the LA Galaxy Sunday.
The Fire won their first game in their last five, but they've now tallied points in two straight games for the first time this season. Sunday's game kicked off a four-game home stand, and they'll host the Portland Timbers next week.
MLSsoccer.com Men of the Match
Rank |
Player |
What We Saw |
1 |
<a href="//www.chicago-fire.com/players/Mike-Magee">Mike Magee</a> (CHI) |
Chicago's new acquisition had a solid game, finishing off with a well-placed strike to seal the victory. |
2 |
<span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="//www.chicago-fire.com/players/Joel-Lindpere">Joel Lindpere</a> (CHI)</span> |
The Estonian paced the Fire's offense, whipping in a number of threatening crosses. Kicked the set piece leading to the own goal. |
3 |
<span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="//www.chicago-fire.com/players/Bakary-Soumare">Bakary Soumare</a> (CHI)</span> |
Making a great impression in his return to Chicago, the defender held his line well, not allowing any threatening chances. |
