NEW YORK – The first time the Chicago Fire played New York City FC, it was a wild affair, a 4-3 win for the visitors at Toyota Park.
It was thrilling for fans of attacking soccer.
For Matt Lampson, it was a different feeling altogether.
“It was embarrassing,” the Fire goalkeeper said.
The Fire's defensive improvement began following that match and has resulted in three consecutive clean sheets, including a 0-0 draw with NYCFC at Yankee Stadium on Sundaynight.
“I think from everyone it was a learning experience. It sucks to learn from a loss, and a bad loss, but it was obviously a learning experience and everyone jelled,” Lampson said. “We’re getting better and better with each game, especially with possession. I’m happy with the progress we’re making.”
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Lampson is a big reason why Chicago extended their streak to four games without a loss. He made eight saves on the night, including several attempts by NYCFC captain David Villa.
“We are frustrated only for the result of the game,” Villa said. “The team played very good, created a lot of chances. The man of the match was the keeper of Chicago.”
Chicago coach Velijko Paunovic also praised his keeper, but spread the love amongst the entire team for its commitment to defending as a unit.
“Again clean sheet, I think it’s a great thing to highlight, attitude, mentality,” Paunovic said. “Now I’m 100 percent that we are on a great path and we are going to be a successful and winning team this season.”
The Fire thought they nicked a goal on the hour mark when Jonathan Campbell headed in from the edge of the six, but assistant referee Corey Parker raised his flag and ruled the play offside.
“Our club’s policy is that we are not talking about referees calls so I don’t have anything to say,” Paunovic said.
Results away from home have been tough to come by for the Fire, who haven’t won away from Toyota Park since July 12, 2014 – a 1-0 win over the New England Revolution.
But the attitude, and the mentality from the back forward gave Lampson something to be positive about.
“I’m proud of the guys today,” he said. “It’s the third straight shutout and that speaks to the way our team defends, the way we have the passion for not letting goals in. It’s obvious the whole team does not want to let in a goal. When you have performances like that from every single player, including the subs who came on, you’re going to get points.”
Dylan Butler is a contributing writer to MLSsoccer.com.
