On a relatively warm, yet windy spring night 1,827 fans came together to raise some money and watch some soccer. The fans were treated to an up-close and personal look at the Chicago Fire playing the University of Illinois-Chicago Flames. While the game ended in a scoreless draw, the atmosphere at Flames Field was upbeat.
"This is a big event," said Fire captain and defender C.J. Brown, who cheered on his team from the sidelines. "It's bigger than what we realize. Here's a professional team playing against a college team, a good college team. And we're all here to raise money for the kids."
Wednesday's match between the Fire and UIC brought in $7,500 to the America SCORES Chicago campaign through ticket sales and donations. The FireWorks for Kids Foundation awarded the organization with a check at halftime.
"The atmosphere was great tonight," Fire defender Dasan Robinson said. "I wish we could have done better and given a little more entertainment to the fans. But it was for a great cause. Any time we can get out and help underprivileged kids, it's a great thing."
The Fire had a couple of strong attempts at goal in the second half, including shots by Andy Herron and Peter Lowry. But UIC had an answer for every one of them. Goalkeeper Jovan Bubonja came up big for the Flames with a couple saves in the match.
"Our guys played well," Bubonja said. "We know what the Fire is all about. We knew we'd have to match their intensity to stay in the game."
The Fire started the majority of its regulars in the first half. After the halftime break, 10 new guys saw action. Chicago's Nick Noble played in goal for the full 90 minutes.
"I'm sure the fans would have liked to see some goals," Fire head coach Denis Hamlett said. "UIC was tough. That's the way it ends up some times. Our guys got a real game in midweek. Everyone who was capable of playing got 45 minutes tonight."
The Fire's passionate supporters' club, Section 8, came out in large numbers, taking up the bleachers on the north side of the field. They chanted and cheered, getting everyone excited.
"I love Section 8," Bubonja said. "I couldn't wait to stand in front of them. That's what soccer is about."
Fans from toddlers to middle-aged people were out to support the game on Wednesday night. There weren't a lot of goals on the field, but the No. 1 goal -- to raise money for charity -- was met and then some.
"It was a good game," UIC head coach John Trask said. "It's much better than our 4-0 result last year. In all honesty, this was a great night. We had over 1,800 fans here. That's the most that have ever been here to watch a soccer game. It was a great night for soccer in Chicago."
Kathryn L. Knapp is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
