FRISCO, Texas (July 16, 2016) – The Chicago Fire (4-9-5, 17 points) fell to Western Conference leaders FC Dallas (12-6-4, 40 points) on Saturday night, as a pair of first half goals held up to earn the Frisco side a 3-1 victory.
MORE: Highlights | Matchcenter
The Fire enjoyed possession early and almost went ahead in the seventh minute, but forward Kennedy Igboananike’s early attempt was well-stopped by Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez. Dallas would take the lead in the 23rd minute, when winger Fabian Castillo put a touch over the top of the right side of the Fire defense and found forward Maximiliano Urruti’s head on a rabona cross to the far post. They’d find a second just before halftime, as midfielder Mauro Diaz found space outside the top of the Fire 18-yard box and put a long-distance shot off the far post and past goalkeeper Matt Lampson.
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John Goossens had the Fire’s most dangerous run-of-play attempt in the 73rd minute. The Dutchman created space for himself outside Dallas’ 18 and put a left-footed rip towards Gonzalez, who took a quick dive to parry the shot wide.
The teams would keep things interesting after regular time came to an end. Second-half substitute and former FC Dallas man Arturo Alvarez pulled a goal back for the Fire in stoppage time, placing a free kick over the Dallas wall and into the left side of Gonzalez’s net. However, Dallas would put things out of reach seconds after, as Mauro Rosales finished a low cross from a Castillo run to cap the score at 3-1.
The Men in Red return to action Wednesday in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal matchup at Toyota Park against NASL side Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT with coverage via live stream on Chicago-Fire.com.
MLS Regular Season
Chicago Fire (4-9-5, 17 points) 1:3 FC Dallas (12-6-4, 40 points)
July 16, 2016 – Toyota Stadium
Attendance: 13,942
Scoring Summary:
FCD – Maximiliano Urruti (Fabian Castillo) 23’
FCD – Mauro Diaz (Kellyn Acosta) 41’
CHI – Arturo Alvarez (unassisted) 90’ + 1’
FCD – Mauro Rosales (Fabian Castillo) 90’ + 2’
Misconduct Summary:
None
Chicago Fire: Matt Lampson, Rodrigo Ramos, Joao Meira Johan Kappelhof ©, Michael Harrington, John Goossens, Matt Polster (45’ Khaly Thiam), Michael Stephens (74’ Arturo Alvarez), Nick LaBrocca, Kennedy Igboananike (69’ Razvan Cocis), Michael de Leeuw
Subs not used: Patrick McLain, Brandon Vincent, Eric Gehrig, Alex Morrell
Shots: 10; Shots On-Goal: 4; Saves: 6; Fouls: 6; Corners: 5; Offsides: 1
FC Dallas: Jesse Gonzalez, Ryan Hollingshead, Matt Hedges ©, Aubrey David, Atiba Harris, Kellyn Acosta, Mauro Diaz, Carlos Gruezo (83’ Victor Ulloa), Fabian Castillo, Maximiliano Urruti (78’ Tesho Akindele), Michael Barrios (74’ Mauro Rosales)
Subs not used: Chris Seitz, Aaron Guillen, Coy Craft, Carlos Lizarazo
Shots: 20; Shots On-Goal: 9; Saves: 3; Fouls: 11; Corners: 4; Offsides: 1
