Chicago Fire midfielder Marco Pappa was denied by a fingertip save from Dan Kennedy in the 80th minute of the Fire’s 2-1 win over Chivas USA last Friday, but he scored on a similar shot in the 92nd minute.
And that game-winner came about because Pappa was able to push forward throughout the game while the Fire played with five midfielders.
“I think the matchups were better, because that gave the freedom to Marco knowing the cover was behind him, to take a little more risk moving forward,” head coach Frank Klopas said.
Midfielder Pável Pardo thought the late game-winning goal was deserved after the Fire created several chances late.
“I think in the second half we played better, and from the beginning we wanted to win the game, so I feel it was fair,” Pardo said.
Berry dangerous on set pieces
Even though Austin Berry is a center back, he’s no stranger to finding the back of the net.
Berry scored eight goals during his first two years at Louisville. Most of those goals came off of headers, but his first goal came off of his foot, just like his game-tying goal against Chivas.
“I know he scored a goal, but I thought he was dangerous throughout the game [on] set pieces,” Klopas said. “He got in the end of a couple more balls and I thought he had a very good game, him and the rest of the team. I think they got behind him they supported him.”
PK no surprise
Berry said it was no surprise when Alejandro Moreno went down after Berry contacted him in the 22nd minute, causing referee Baldomero Toledo to point to the spot.
“We all knew it was a soft call,” Berry told MLSsoccer.com. “We had talked before the game about Moreno and how he likes to go down and draw those."
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