FRISCO, Texas - The Chicago Fire have made the U.S. Open Cup all but their own in their history, winning the Dewar Trophy three times, more than any other MLS club. But they saw a bid for a third consecutive trip to the final derailed on Wednesday night by FC Dallas as the game's lone goal was scored by Ronnie O'Brien.
The Fire were on the road for each of their four Open Cup matches this year. The FC Dallas win not only put the club into the Open Cup Final for the second time (they won in 1997 on penalty kicks against D.C. United), but it was also their first victory at their new Pizza Hut Park home.
"I think the fact they haven't won here, we didn't put a lot of stock into that," said Fire coach Dave Sarachan.
The Hoops took the lead through O'Brien after just 20 minutes then held on over the second half, playing a man down for 35 minutes after Simo Valakari was sent off for a second yellow card.
"I think we played good enough to win tonight," said Chicago midfielder Chris Armas. "I think we had about three to five chances for a goal and we hit the post, we had a breakaway with one right on the goal line."
Added Sarachan: "We came into this thinking we could win the game. We felt we had enough chances to win this game."
The Hoops stayed with the scheme they used against D.C. United last weekend, but on Wednesday it was Carlos Ruiz as the lone striker, with Eddie Johnson still unavailable through injury.
"We knew that's how they played and I think at the beginning of the game I don't think we handled it as well as I thought we could have," Sarachan said. "But I think as we got into the half we made a few adjustments that allowed us to find a little space."
"They're a good team. 4-4-2, 4-5-1, or whatever they put down, they have good players and they are pretty active," said Armas.
But the Fire failed to take advantage after Valakari was shown red for a tackle from behind, his second booking. But Chicago saw a red card of their own in the 90th minute when Gonzalo Segares was sent off for a second yellow card.
"When they went down to 10 men, if we had gotten our first goal I think we would have gotten the second," said Sarachan.
Added Armas: "On a night like this if you get a few chances you have to put them away."
Ron Goode is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
