Carson, CA (Sports Network) - The Chicago Fire left it late at The Home Depot
Center on Friday as Marco Pappa scored deep into second-half stoppage time to
earn the visitors a 2-1 victory over Chivas USA.
The result means that Chivas is still searching for its first point at home in
2012, posting an 0-5-0 record in Carson, California this season.
Pappa's late winner capped an already eventful match for the Fire, who fell
behind but eventually got back on level terms through Austin Berry.
The rookie, who was making his MLS debut, conceded a penalty kick in the 22nd
minute after getting tangled with Alejandro Moreno in the box. Juan Pablo
Angel converted the ensuing kick to give Chivas the lead with his first goal of
the MLS season.
But Berry was able to quickly make amends following a corner kick two minutes
later. A failed clearance fell to Sebastian Grazzini at the top of the box. The
midfielder danced around a defender and unlocked the defense to find Berry, who
was able to poke a shot past Dan Kennedy to level the score.
Miller Bolanos nearly put the home side in front in the second half when he
latched on to a through ball from Moreno in the 54th minute. Bolanos ripped a
shot at Sean Johnson's near post, but the Fire 'keeper made a brilliant
reaction save to turn the effort out for a corner.
Chicago answered with a superb scoring chance shortly after. Gonzalo Segares
delivered a pinpoint cross to the center of the box in the 62nd minute and
Grazzini lost his mark to send a powerful header on goal, but Kennedy was up to
the task. The rebound fell to Dominic Oduro, but the Chicago striker was ruled
offside when Grazzini's shot was taken.
The Fire went on to steal the win thanks to Pappa's late heroics. The
midfielder collected a square ball on the counter from Frederico Puppo and
fired a quick shot to the far post. The power on Pappa's effort prevented
Kennedy from getting a hand to it as the goalkeeper was left helpless.
Chicago improves to 3-2-2 on the season and moves into fourth place in the
Eastern Conference on 11 points. The club returns to action Wednesday when it
hosts Real Salt Lake at Toyota Park.
Chivas (3-6-0) remains second from bottom in the Western Conference on the back
of three straight losses. The Goats will look to get back on track on May 13
when they head to Buck Shaw Stadium to face the in-form San Jose Earthquakes.
The Sports Network