SANDY, Utah (August 6, 2016) – The Chicago Fire pulled one back, but ultimately fell 3-1 against Real Salt lake on Saturday at Rio Tinto Stadium.
The Fire started a mixed lineup as they built toward their Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Semifinal against the New England Revolution on Tuesday. Chicago trailed 2-0 at halftime, but rallied to within one after a goal from Arturo Alvarez early in the second half. However, the hosts staved off the Men in Red with an insurance goal in the 64th minute from Javier Morales.
Highlights | Real Salt Lake 3:1 Chicago Fire
Real Salt Lake took the lead 14 minutes into the match. Olmes Garcia hit a pass from Javier Morales at the top of the box, tucking it inside the near post for a 1-0 lead. Fourteen minutes later, Real Salt Lake doubled its lead from the penalty spot. Morales did the damage after Fire defender Eric Gehrig was whistled for a foul inside the box.
The Fire had a chance in the 40th minute after Nick LaBrocca slid a cross to David Accam in the area. LaBrocca found space on the right wing and found Accam open in the box with a pass on the ground. Accam hit it first time, but watched his shot dart just wide of the target.
Chicago cut their deficit in half in the 58th minute. LaBrocca found Alvarez open at the back post, and the winger volleyed home his third goal of the season.
Morales made the Fire’s climb more difficult with his second goal of the game just 6 minutes later. Joao Plata laid a pass off for Morales at the top of the box, and the midfielder finished off the post and into the net.
LaBrocca nearly connected for Chicago in the waning moments with a close-range blast that Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando batted away off the line.
The Men in Red return to action for a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Semifinal against the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 9. Kickoff is 7 p.m. CT on ESPN2 and Watch ESPN.
MLS Regular Season
Chicago Fire (4-11-6, 18 points) 1:3 Real Salt Lake (10-7-7, 37 points)
August 6, 2016 – Rio Tinto Stadium
Attendance: 19,909
Scoring Summary:
RSL – Olmes Garcia (Javier Morales, Joao Plata) 14
RSL – Javier Morales (penalty kick) 28
CHI – Arturo Alvarez (Nick La Brocca, Michael Stephens) 58
RSL – Javier Morales (Joao Plata, Demar Phillips) 64
Misconduct Summary:
RSL – Olmes Garcia (caution) 15
CHI – Nick LaBrocca (caution) 35
Chicago Fire: Matt Lampson, Michael Harrington, Eric Gehrig, Jonathan Campbell, Brandon Vincent, Arturo Alvarez (Johan Kappelhof 68), Nick LaBrocca, Michael Stephens, David Accam © (John Goossens HT), Michael de Leeuw (Razvan Cocis HT), Luis Solignac.
Shots: 12; Shots On-Goal: 5; Saves: 4; Fouls: 11; Corners: 8; Offsides: 3
Real Salt Lake: Nick Rimando, Chris Wingert (Tony Beltran 59), Jameson Olave, Justen Glad, Demar Phillips, Luke Mulholland (John Stertzer 82), Kyle Beckerman ©, Javier Morales, Burrito Martinez (Omar Holness 88), Olmes Garcia, Joao Plata.
Shots: 17; Shots On-Goal: 7; Saves: 4; Fouls: 9; Corners: 4; Offsides: 2
