Fire Top Sahuaros 1-0

PHOENIX, AZ - Feb. 15, 2010 - The Chicago Fire Soccer Club emerged victorious over the Arizona Sahuaros 1-0 in the second game of the Fire’s President’s Day doubleheader. Chicago Fire midfielder John Thorrington’s 38th minute penalty kick proved the difference in a hard fought battle at the Arizona State Women’s Soccer Stadium. The 1-0 victory signifies the end of the Fire’s preseason matches in Phoenix, the first leg of the Fire’s five week, four stop 2010 preseason tour. 

Chicago Fire midfielder Marco Pappa’s speed on the left-hand side was too much for the Arizona Sahuaros to handle in the first half. The Fire’s first chance of the game came off a Pappa corner kick. With Pappa serving an in-swinging ball, Fire forward Brian McBride leapt to meet the ball, powerfully directing it off of the crossbar.

Utilizing space on the left side, Pappa collected a loose ball and advanced on goal before being tackled from behind just outside of the Sahuaros six-yard box. Thorrington calmly stepped to the spot and converted the penalty with a side-footed effort inside the left post to give the Fire a 1-0 lead.

Chicago Fire goalkeeper Jon Busch made a number of crucial second half saves as the Fire held on to win 1-0 in their second preseason match of the day.  

The team returns to Chicago on Thursday before departing for Guadalajara, Mexico, on Sunday, Feb. 21. The Fire will train at the Universidad de Guadalajara from Feb.22-March 3 before returning to the United States for preseason camps in Jackson, MS and New Orleans.

The Fire play host to the San Jose Earthquakes on Opening Night at TOYOTA PARK on Saturday, April 10 at 7:30 PM CT. Fire fans hoping to secure seats for Opening Night vs. San Jose can now purchase group tickets via the front office. Tickets start at just $18 for groups of 15 or more. Fans wishing to purchase group tickets can do so by 1-888-MLS-FIRE (657-3473) or by going to www.chicago-fire.com.

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