BRADENTON, Fla. - The Chicago Fire tied the Kansas City Wizards 1-1 today in a preseason scrimmage at the IMG Academies, in Bradenton, Fla. The Wizards opened scoring with a goal from forward Ryan Pore in the 23rd minute, but the Fire attack leveled the score in the 90th minute off a goal courtesy of rookie midfielder Stephen King.
The Wizard took the lead in the 23rd minute as Kansas City midfielder Lance Watson dribbled the ball down the left side of the field, evaded two defenders and slipped a pass from the end line towards Pore running into the area. Pore reached the ball just above the penalty spot and placed a shot into the left side of the net to give the Wizards a one-goal advantage.
In the 32nd minute the Fire looked to equalize as midfielder Justin Mapp sent a free kick from the right side of the field onto the head of Calen Carr, but the ball sailed over the crossbar.
The Fire tied the game in the last seconds of the match as King scored in the 90th minute of play. Rookie midfielder Adrian Bumbut looked to capitalize on a cross from the left, with an attempt from inside the box, however, the ball instead ricocheted to the feet of King who ripped a shot into the right side of the goal.
With the tie, the Fire remain undefeated through their four preseason matches. Chicago returns to action on Wednesday, Feb. 20 against Toronto FC at 9:00 a.m. CT, before returning to Chicago later that evening.
Fire Lineup (4-4-2): GK-Jon Busch (Nick Noble 30, Melford James Jr. 60), D-Diego Gutierrez (Brian Plotkin 45), D-Daniel Woolard (Bakary Soumare 45), D-Steve Bode (Austin Washington 45), D-Tim Regan (Bruno Menezes 45), M-Justin Mapp (Jesus Mendoza 45), M-Peter Lowry (Kai Kasiguran 45, Adrian Bumbut 75), M-Logan Pause (Stephen King 45), M-Pius Ikedia (Zach Pope 26, John Thorrington 45, Tim Conway 75), F-Calen Carr (Dwight Barnett 45), F- Steven Marlet (Chad Barrett 45).
Wizards Lineup (3-5-2): GK-Eric Kronberg, D-Matt Marquess (Rauwshan McKenzie 8), D-Aaron Hohlbein, D-Jonathan Leathers, M-Lance Watson, M-Ryan McMahen, M-Amir Lowery (Pat Healey 45), M-Roger Espinosa, M-Ryan Raybould, F-Ryan Pore (Michael Kraus 45) , F-Tom Gray.
Scoring Summary
KC - Ryan Pore (Lance Wilson) 23'
CHI - Stephen King 1 (UA) 90'
Misconduct Summary
KC - Roger Espinosa (Caution) 21'
KC - Ryan Raybould (Caution) 71'
Referee: Shane Moody
Referee Assistants: Cyril Madukanya, Will Watson
Weather: Sunny, 75 Degrees
