CARY, N.C. - The Chicago Fire was eliminated from the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a 1-0 loss to the Carolina RailHawks in third round action of the U.S. national championship. As a result, the Fire fell short of defending the Dewar Trophy, which it won for the fourth time in 2006.
Carolina, an expansion team in the United Soccer Leagues (USL) First Division, broke through in the 56th minute when McColum Cephas accepted a one-touch pass from Anthony Maher in the box and placed a low shot inside the near post.
Chicago was outshot, 13-10, in a physical contest that produced 36 fouls and six yellow cards. The Fire's best scoring chance of the night came in the 48th minute when Chad Barrett closed in on the Carolina goal from the right side, only to see his shot land in the chest of goalkeeper John O'Hara.
"As we expected, the RailHawks were good and efficient with the ball," said Juan Carlos Osorio, completing just his first week on the job as the Fire's new head coach. "We had chances tonight, but were unable to get the goal we needed. We will keep working to turn things around."
The Fire return to action after the Major League Soccer All-Star break, hosting Celtic FC in an exhibition match next Sunday (July 22) at TOYOTA PARK (3:00 p.m., FOX Soccer Channel).
Notes
• The "Men in Red" are 25-5-2 all-time in U.S. Open Cup competition.
• Fire goalkeeper Jon Busch earned his second start of the season, his first since the July 4 contest at Los Angeles
• Midfielder Justin Mapp left the contest at halftime due to a groin injury.
Box Score
Chicago Fire (3-5-2 formation) - GK-Jon Busch, D-Bruno Menezes (Floyd Franks 75'), D-C.J. Brown, D-Gonzalo Segares, MF-Bakary Soumare, MF-Chris Armas (Willian Oliveria 84'), MF-Thiago (Logan Pause 62'), MF-Ivan Guerrero, MF-Justin Mapp (Brian Plotkin 46'), F-Calen Carr, F-Chad Barrett.
Carolina RailHawks (4-4-2 formation) - GK-John O'Hara, D-Chad Dombrowski, D-David Stokes, D-Caleb Norkus, D-Frankie Sanfilippo, MF-Kupono Low, MF-Joey Worthen, MF-Chris Carrieri (Stuart Brightwell 89'), MF-Jonathan Steele, F-Anthony Maher (Connally Edozien 81'), F-McColm Cephas (Kevin Jeffrey 86').
Scoring Summary
CAR: McColum Cephas (Anthony Maher) 56'
Misconduct Summary
CHI: Bakary Soumare (caution) 22'
CHI: Bruno Menezes (caution), 31'
CAR: Caleb Norkus (caution), 39'
CAR: David Stokes (caution), 45'
CAR: Chris Carrieri (caution), 89'
CHI: Floyd Franks (caution), 90'
Referee: Roni Canales Attendance: 4,485 Weather: warm, 82 degrees
