BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (May 21, 2016) – The Chicago Fire recorded their fourth clean sheet of the season in a 1-0 win against the Houston Dynamo at Toyota Park on Saturday.
Arturo Alvarez scored his first goal as a member of the Fire in the third minute and that goal stood as the game-winner. Meanwhile, Chicago goalkeeper Sean Johnson earned his first shutout and win of the season after making his second start of the year.
MLS Matchcenter | Match Highlights
Alvarez didn’t wait long to put the Fire in front. Gilberto whipped a curling pass that arched its way around Houston’s back line, leaving the decision to a footrace between Alvarez and Dynamo goalkeeper Tyler Deric. Alvarez won that race, tapping his shot past the onrushing Deric and into the net.
Chicago nearly doubled its lead four minutes into the second half. Gilberto was at it again, this time with the final touch. Rodrigo Ramos sent a cross into the box after a lengthy attacking sequence and Gilberto headed it toward the upper corner. An acrobatic save by Deric kept the scoreline at 1-0. Moments later, Deric denied Gilberto again after an incredible individual effort from the Brazilian, dancing his way past defenders and into the box before cracking a shot that Deric parried away.
The Fire pressed for an additional goal throughout the remainder of the second half, closing the game with a side-netting effort from Alvarez. Chicago had 20 shots over 90 minutes, their highest total of 2016. The Men in Red also registered seven shots on goal, their peak total since peppering New York City FC with nine on opening day.
Playing in front of Johnson for the shutout were defenders Rodrigo Ramos, Johan Kappelhof, Jonathan Campbell and Brandon Vincent – each in their first MLS seasons.
The Men in Red will remain at home next week to host the defending MLS Cup Champion Portland Timbers at Toyota Park on Saturday, May 28. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. CT on CSN Chicago and 97.5 FM Poder.
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MLS Regular Season
Chicago Fire (1-5-4, 7 points) 1:0 Houston Dynamo (3-6-2, 11 points)
May 21, 2016 – Toyota Park
Attendance: 15,363
Scoring Summary:
CHI – Arturo Alvarez (Gilberto) 3
Misconduct Summary:
HOU – David Horst (caution) 23
CHI – Kennedy Igboananike (caution) 56
CHI – Matt Polster (caution) 76
Chicago Fire: Sean Johnson, Rodrigo Ramos, Johan Kappelhof ©, Jonathan Campbell, Brandon Vincent, Matt Polster (Razvan Cocis 80), Michael Stephens (Joao Meira 70), Arturo Alvarez, Nick LaBrocca, Kennedy Igboananike (Joey Calistri 62), Gilberto.
Shots: 20; Shots On-Goal: 7; Saves: 3; Fouls: 9; Corners: 7; Offsides: 2
Houston Dynamo: Tyler Deric, Sheanon Williams, Agus, David Horst, DaMarcus Beasley (Jalil Anibaba 13), Ricardo Clark, Alex, Andrew Wenger, Cristian Maidana (Mauro Manotas 65), Giles Barnes ©, Will Bruin (Leonel Miranda 55).
Shots: 10; Shots On-Goal: 3; Saves: 6; Fouls: 8; Corners: 6; Offsides: 0
