The Chicago Fire (2-7-14) and New York Red Bulls (6-6-13) played an exciting match Saturday but the result was the same for both clubs as they played to a 2-2 draw In Harrisburg, New Jersey. The Fire matched FC Dallas for the most ties in MLS history with their 14th draw of the season.
The Red Bulls also matched a franchise record as they notched their 13th draw of the season but still remain in the playoff hunt. The Fire however, made their playoff hopes even slimmer as they have kept their winless streak alive at nine matches.
“Obviously a good point on the road,” said interim Head Coach Frank Klopas. “I thought we came in tactically with a very good game plan that we executed well the first 45, 60 minutes. I think things changed when Patrick Nyarko came out. We had to change the way we play. Later in the game, we got tired a little bit, we dropped a little too deep and gave them space to operate.”
The Fire came into the match with little momentum after losing to the Vancouver Whitecaps 4-2 last Sunday and nearly fell into the same trap as they gave up a goal in the ninth minute to Theiry Henry. Henry was assisted by Dane Richards as he stood above the penalty box and fired a shot past a diving Sean Johnson.
Eight minutes later, the Fire were able to equalize the match when Dominic Oduro, scored his club-leading seventh goal in the 16th minute. Odoru was assisted by his fellow Ghanian, Patrick Nyarko found him just inside the penalty area as he flicked it through the back of the net.
“I put a ball in the net, that is what I try to do every game I thank my teammates every day for trying to help me out, to help me become a good player,” Oduro said. “I thought I was very good up front.”
This gave the Fire the momentum needed to pull off an upset on the road as the Fire would later score just before halftime. Newcomer Sebastian Grazzini was able to score his first MLS goal as he was able to knock in a chip shot to give the Fire a 2-1 lead in the 24th minute.
With a 2-1 lead after halftime, the Fire weren’t able to sustain their advantage as New York tied the match in the 63rd minute when Joel Lindpere sent a looping shot past Sean Johnson to tie the match at 2-2.
The score would remain the same as the Fire failed to get their first victory since June 12 when they defeated the Columbus Crew. With only 11 matches left, the playoff picture for the Fire has gotten dimmer but Klopas hasn’t given up on his club.
“When there are games, we still have 11 games left,” Klopas said. “It is our goal always when we step on the field. Now it is the next game, this is behind. We have to look at some of the things we need to improve. We are back home so we have to get three points. We have a lot to play for as a team and as individuals.”
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