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Fire Sun Sep 13 2009
Critical Point for Fire Shared with Salt Lake
One point. That was all the Chicago Fire (10-6-9, 39 points) needed to tie for first place with Columbus. Of course, a win for three points would have been better to take over the top spot, but the Fire did not mind sharing a point with Real Salt Lake last night in their 1-1 tie.
Fire player Chris Rolfe, with his sixth goal of the season, scored in the 44th minute of play. With a header from the left side by Mike Banner, the ball sailed to the middle and midfielder Marco Pappa helped it along to Chris Rolfe inside the box. Rolfe flicked a shot with this right foot just inside the right post past Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando.
Coming into the second half, the Fire had the lead, but Salt Lake was determined to redeem themselves. In the 72nd minute, they evened the score with a goal from defender Jamison Olave, connecting with a pass from Andy Williams from 8 yards out. Both teams continued to battle during the remaining minutes, but neither could come up with a game-winning goal.
Now the Fire have a pivotal match against the Columbus Crew coming up next Sunday, Sept. 20 @ 2 p.m. at Toyota Park. This match will determine who will takeover the first place spot in the Eastern Conference.
