One way or another one team's fortunes had to change for the better when the Chicago Fire and Real Salt Lake met Sunday afternoon. It probably was not what either team wanted but they'll take the point in a 0-0 tie at Toyota Park.
Real Salt Lake were on the road for the third time in eight days and came to Bridgeview without a win on the young MLS season. Meanwhile, Chicago had its own woes as it had lost four games in a row heading back to the Windy City.
The Fire juggled their lineup to try and add some spark to a team that has been stagnant offensively and beatable on the defensive side of the ball. Newly signed Willian Oliveira made his first start at midfielder for Chicago and his presence was felt immediately.
In just the second minute, Oliveira blasted a shot at Nick Rimando, but the goalkeeper was able to keep the game scoreless for Real Salt Lake. Rimando went on to make seven saves on the day.
As defense had also been a recent concern for the Fire, Jeff Curtin made his first MLS appearance of the year, starting in place of his brother Jim in the center of defense. Prior to their match against Real Salt Lake, the Fire had given up 11 goals in the four-game losing streak.
In the seventh minute, Freddy Adu tried to put Real Salt Lake ahead, but his floater was not a problem to defend for Fire keeper Matt Pickens, who made seven saves Sunday, as he corralled it mid-flight.
Chicago forward Chad Barrett had a one-on-one situation in the 14th minute and was able to break free from an RSL defender, but his shot was halted as Rimando dove to his right for the save.
Just a minute later at the other end, C.J. Brown fouled RSL's newly acquired striker Alecko Eskandarian, giving Adu a direct kick at the Fire goal. Trying to get his shot over the wall of Fire defenders, his blast sailed over the head of keeper Pickens and into the stands.
Jeff Curtin made his impact felt for the Chicago defense, thwarting a pair of scoring opportunities in the 30th and 33rd minutes. Curtin was able to sweep and break up passes that looked likely to RSL goals.
Chicago's best chance came late in the first half came in the 43rd minute. Oliveira gathered the ball at the point of attack and dished it to midfielder Brian Plotkin, who then connected with Ivan Guerrero. The midfielder, who had just came in to replace Pascal Bedrossian, broke free from an RSL defender but his shot sailed wide right.
Chicago outshot Real and had four corner kicks, but with Rimando making four first-half saves, the Fire offense continued to struggle.
Both teams made substantial replacements in the second half. Adu was replaced by Andy Williams in the 59th minute, while Fire midfielder Justin Mapp was replaced by Jerson Monteiro in the 61st.
RSL midfielder Chris Klein found himself alone with a clear look at goal on the hour mark, but his shot went right into the hands of keeper Pickens.
One of the Fire's best chances came in the 81st minute. Guerrero sailed a pass toward the RSL goal when Monteiro jumped highest in the middle of the crowd and delivered a solid header. Rimando continued his brilliant play, making a quick reaction save.
Williams got his first shot off in the 85th minute but Pickens made the save for Chicago. Williams tallied another shot on goal in the 90th minute but once again Pickens was able to stop the midfielder's attempt.
After pressing the issue late, Chicago had one final chance to grab a win in stoppage time, but Barrett's point blank shot missed wide.
Tim Hilton is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
