The Chicago Fire and the University of Illinois-Chicago Flames played to a scoreless tie in a benefit match today at the UIC Flames Field. For the second consecutive year, the Fire and UIC Flames met on the pitch to raise funds for the FireWorks for Kids Foundation and America SCORES Chicago. The 1,827 fans in attendance helped raise $7,500 through ticket sales and donations.
The Fire attacked early and nearly scored in the 11th minute, as midfielder Cuauhtémoc Blanco sent a lofted pass from the center circle for forward Chad Barrett running into the attacking third. Barrett and two UIC defenders jumped to challenge the ball 25 yards from the goal. Both defenders collided, freeing Barrett for a one-on-one opportunity in the 18-yard box, but Flames goalkeeper Jovan Bubonja pounced on the ball to stop the play.
UIC had an opportunity to score off a freekick in the 17th minute, as a Flames midfielder stuck from 25 yards out, but the shot sailed high over the crossbar. UIC was awarded another dangerous freekick in the 35th minute. The shot from just outside the restraining arc evaded the Fire wall, forcing a punch-save from Fire goalkeeper Nick Noble.
In the 44th minute, Fire defender Bakary Soumare sent a ball from the right side of the Fire's defensive end to the left corner of the penalty box for Barrett. UIC's Bubonja came off his line, but was unable to clear the ball after colliding with Barrett. The Fire forward recovered the ball, took a touch, and shot from 18 yards out, but the effort went just wide right of the frame.
The Fire continued to attack through the second half with midfielder Peter Lowry and forward Andy Herron nearly tallied off of a pair of headers in the 71st and 72nd minutes, respectively. After a number of close shots for the Fire, both sides had to settle for a 0-0 tie in the physical friendly.
The Fire return to league play this Sunday, as Chicago Fire (2-0-1, 7 pts.) host the Kansas City Wizards (2-1-1, 7 pts.) at TOYOTA PARK in a battle of the two top Eastern Conference clubs (2:00 p.m. CT, My50, TeleFutura).
Please visit www.chicago-fire.com for more information about the FireWorks for Kids Foundation and www.americascoreschicago.org for more information about America SCORES Chicago.
Scoring Summary:
None
Misconduct Summary:
UIC - Charlie Trout (caution) 90'
Referee: Pawel Wydra
Referee Assistants: Eric Boria, Cesar Ibarra
4th Official: None
Attendance: 1,827
Weather: 65 degrees, Windy
