BRIDGEVIEW, Ill.(July 13, 2016) – Michael de Leeuw scored in his home debut for the Chicago Fire, leading the Men in Red to a 1-0 victory against Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday at Toyota Park.
The Dutch striker found the net thanks to a pinpoint pass from captain Razvan Cocis to give the Fire an early lead. Chicago’s defensive unit did the rest as goalkeeper Sean Johnson picked up his third shutout of the season.
Matchcenter | Match Highlights| de Leeuw's Goal
The game’s first quality chance came on the goal-scoring play. Brandon Vincent sent a free kick up the left side of the field on the ground, leading Cocis into the box. Cocis took the ball to the end line, then crossed to de Leeuw in front of the frame. The Dutchman tapped in on the doorstep to make it 1-0 in his first career MLS start.
Johnson ended the night with just two saves, but both came at crucial moments to preserve the Fire’s lead. He parried away a bending Brad Davis free kick in the 80th minute and then dove to his left again to block a goal-bound header from Sporting defender Ike Opara.
Chicago extended its home-unbeaten streak in all competitions to seven. They are 4-0-3 during that time, including a pair of Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup games. The Fire are 3-0-2 in their last five MLS regular season games at Toyota Park.
The Men in Red return to action against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium on Saturday, July 16. Kickoff is 8 p.m. CT on CSN Chicago Plus and 97.5 Poder.
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MLS Regular Season
Chicago Fire (4-8-5, 17 points) 1:0 Sporting Kansas City (8-9-4, 28 points)
July 13, 2016 – Toyota Park
Attendance: 13,879
Scoring Summary: CHI – Michael de Leeuw (Razvan Cocis, Brandon Vincent) 19
Misconduct Summary:
CHI – Khaly Thiam (caution) 26
SKC – Soni Mustivar (caution) 29
CHI – Arturo Alvarez (caution) 68
SKC – Dom Dwyer (caution) 71
CHI – Joao Meira (caution) 79
SKC – Jimmy Medranda (caution) 85
Chicago Fire: Sean Johnson, Michael Harrington (Rodrigo Ramos 83), Jonathan Campbell, Joao Meira, Brandon Vincent, Khaly Thiam, Matt Polster, Arturo Alvarez (John Goossens 68), Razvan Cocis ©, David Accam, Michael de Leeuw (Johan Kappelhof 89).
Shots: 3; Shots On-Goal: 2; Saves: 2; Fouls: 16; Corners: 2; Offsides: 8
Sporting Kansas City: Tim Melia, Saad Abdul-Salaam, Nuno Coelho (Ike Opara 21), Matt Besler, Jimmy Medranda, Benny Feilhaber, Soni Mustivar (Justin Mapp 81), Roger Espinoza ©, Jacob Peterson, Dom Dwyer, Connor Hallisey (Brad Davis 58).
Shots: 19; Shots On-Goal: 2; Saves: 1; Fouls: 15; Corners: 8; Offsides: 1
