Oduro, shorthanded Fire top Chivas



Getty Images

By Charlie Corr
ESPNChicago.com

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- The Chicago Fire could not have drawn up a better start. The only question was whether Chicago could finish, especially playing down a man.

In an up-and-down match that included a two-goal lead followed by a level second half, the Fire's Dominic Oduro came to the rescue with a shorthanded, game-winning goal in the 85th minute to lead Chicago to a 3-2 victory over Chivas USA on Saturday in front of 15,246 at Toyota Park.

"These are the kinds of games that are very exciting, for sure," Fire interim head coach Frank Klopas said. "Memorable ones, things you can build on. You kind of feel that in the past, maybe the team would not have found a way to pull this one out."

Read more at ESPNChicago.com.

Fire set to host Chivas USA

Fire captain Logan Pause -- Getty Images

By Charlie Corr
ESPNChicago.com

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- From Chivas de Guadalajara to Chivas USA, the latter opponent has a bearing on the Chicago Fire's distant postseason hopes.

Chicago hosts Chivas USA this Saturday at Toyota Park, and the team is coming off a 1-0 international friendly defeat to Guadalajara on Wednesday. The Fire (4-8-15, 27 points) enter the weekend in a three-way tie for last place in the Eastern Conference alongside the New England Revolution (which plays late Friday night against the expansion Portland Timbers) and Toronto FC.

The Fire are seven points out of the final wild card spot, and narrowing that gap will take some doing. D.C. United enters the weekend in that fourth wild card slot having played only 25 games to Chicago's 27.

"It's a huge match. It's a match we feel like we have to win," Fire captain Logan Pause said. "Our backs are up against the wall, and we need wins. I'm sure it's going to be an exciting game because Chivas also needs wins. They are on the outside looking in."

Chivas (7-11-10, 31 points) is in the midst of a significant drought. Not only have the Goats lost three straight, but they also have not scored a goal during this stretch.

Read more at ESPNChicago.com.

Pattern stays same, Fire draw Chivas

Jalil Anibaba -- Getty Images

By Charlie Corr
ESPNChicago.com

Two-thirds of the Chicago Fire's matches this season have resulted in a draw. So it almost comes without surprise that Chicago netted its fourth straight stalemate against Chivas USA on Saturday at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

Perhaps the only variations that the Fire are putting together this year are the types of the draws -- lost leads such as Saturday, a comeback such as the New York Red Bulls, or a scoreless draw, which has occurred on four occasions.

The Fire's 12th draw puts them two shy of tying FC Dallas' record mark of 14. If Chicago (2-4-12) had some victories to show for its efforts, the tone of this pattern might be different. As it stands, though, the draws are a continual sign of mediocrity on the scoreboard and in the Eastern Conference standings.

"Eight games without a defeat, but at the same time we're not winning," Fire forward Dominic Oduro said. "That's something that we have to flip over and try to win games. We're doing well, we're creating chances. But at the same time we have to finish our games."

Read more at ESPNChicago.com.

Husidic strikes, but Fire draw against Chivas

Libertyville native and Chicago Fire midfielder Baggio Husidic netted his second goal in as many games, but Chicago had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Chivas USA on Saturday at Toyota Park in Bridgeview.

"He's having a good performance throughout these two matches," Fire head coach Carlos de los Cobos said. "He's becoming one of the top members of the team."

You can read more from this match at ESPNChicago.com.

CHIVAS USA AT FIRE PREVIEW

The Chicago Fire host Chivas USA for a 7 p.m. match Thursday at Toyota Park. With a win or draw, Chicago guarantees itself a postseason spot.

Here are several links posted Wednesday at my ESPNChicago.com Chicago Fire blog:

• Chivas vs. Fire notebook: Fire defender Conde questionable with flu-like symptoms
• Zach Thornton: 'I'm glad I got through it': Catching up with the ex-Fire goalkeeper
• This date in Chicago Fire history: Oct. 21, 2000 - Fire top Fusion to win U.S. Open Cup

SUPERLIGA: FIRE SHOOT FOR SEMIS

MLS rival Chivas USA stands in their path Tuesday

The Chicago Fire face a more-than-familiar Major League Soccer opponent Tuesday as Chicago hosts Chivas USA in SuperLiga 2009 at Toyota Park. The game starts at 7 p.m.

Chicago opened SuperLiga with a 1-0 victory over the Primera Division's San Luis on Saturday, and a win over Chivas would clinch a semifinal spot. Chivas, on the other hand, opened SuperLiga with a 2-1 loss to Tigres UANL.

The Fire-Chivas match is the first part of a doubleheader, with San Luis and Tigres squaring off at 9 p.m.

For the latest on SuperLiga 2009, visit SuperLiga2009.com. SlideTackles.net will be on hand with in-game updates and commentary at Twitter.com/CorrSports.

SUPERLIGA SCHEDULE RELEASED

Major League Soccer and the Federacion Mexicana de Futbol unveiled its schedule and participating teams for the 2009 SuperLiga. SuperLiga begins play on Saturday, June 20, and the title match will be held on Aug. 5.

MLS participants include the Chicago Fire and Chivas USA in Group A, and the New England Revolution and Kansas City Wizards in Group B. From Mexico's Primera Division, in Group A are San Luis and Tigres UANL, and in Group B are Santos Laguna and Atlas.

Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com/mls, or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

CLICK HERE for the full SuperLiga schedule and pairings.