CHICAGO (Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014) – The Chicago Fire defeated FC Dallas 2-1 in MLS Reserve League action Sunday morning on the Toyota Park Practice Field. Fire guest player Florent Sinama Pongolle converted a penalty kick in second half stoppage time to give the Fire the victory.
The Men in the Red opened scoring in the 32nd minute. Matt Fondy won the ball just inside FC Dallas’ half and played a diagonal ball through to Pongolle, who raced into the box and sent a low, driven shot towards goal. FC Dallas ‘keeper Richard Sanchez got down and was able to get a hand to it, but Fondy, trailing the play, tapped in the rebound to give the Fire the 1-0 lead.
FC Dallas came close the equalizing just before the half when Chris Ritter was whistled for a foul just outside the 18-yard box. Dallas midfielder Michel took the ensuing free kick but blasted his curving shot off the crossbar.
The visitors equalized in the 63rd minute when Blas Perez received the ball on the left post and headed it down for Jonathan Top, who snapped his diving header past Kyle Reynish as FC Dallas drew level 1-1.
In the waning moments of the match, Fire Academy product Cameron Lindley played a perfectly-timed ball through to Pongolle, who raced into the box and was taken down by FC Dallas ‘keeper Richard Sanchez. Sanchez dove correctly to his right on the ensuing penalty kick but Pongolle’s shot was too strong as the match ended 2-1.
Notes:
- Midfielder Patrick Nyarko entered in the 70th minute for his first match action since suffering a knee sprain on May 18.
Chicago Fire 2 - 1 FC Dallas
Chicago Fire: Kyle Reynish; Mauricio Pineda, Chris Ritter, Patrick Ianni, Greg Cochrane; Collin Fernandez (Patrick Nyarko 70’), Logan Pause ©, Benji Joya, Harry Shipp (Cameron Lindley* 57’); Florent Sinama Pongolle^, Matt Fondy
Substitutes not used: Sawyer Jackman
Chicago Fire Academy Player
^Guest Player
FC Dallas: Richard Sanchez; Moises Hernandez, Phillip Ponder* (Peter Luccin 46’), Walter Cabrera, Eric Davies; Tomas Granitto^ (Alex Radilla 55’), Michel, Coy Craft (Alejandro Zendejas* 74’), Danny Garcia; David Texeira (Blas Perez 59’), Cobi Span (Jonathan Top 59’)
Substitutes not used: Chris Seitz
*FC Dallas Academy Player
^Guest Player
Scoring Summary
CHI – Matt Fondy (unassisted) 32’
DAL – Jonathan Top (Blas Perez) 63’
CHI – Florent Sinama Pongolle (penalty kick) 90+’
Misconduct Summary
CHI – Patrick Ianni (caution) 21’
CHI – Greg Cochrane (caution) 86’
