When Chad Barrett scored on a penalty kick for Chicago in the 70th minute on Saturday, the forward ended the Fire's MLS scoreless streak at 262 minutes which began June 16 against D.C. United.
But unfortunately, that was all the Fire could knock home, as they continued to struggle, settling for a 1-1 tie with Toronto FC at Toyota Park.
With the Fire winning just one game since the beginning of May, in the midst of the long scoreless run and knowing that converting the penalty kick with just 20 minutes to play would put them in a great position to put both streaks to an end, Barrett said he did not feel any additional pressure when he lined up for the shot.
"That's the easiest shot to make," Barrett said of his fourth goal of the season. "Tyrone (Marshall) stepped in front of me and hit me hard so I was pretty sure I would get the opportunity."
But Toronto FC responded just eight minutes later when Maurice Edu beat Fire 'keeper Matt Pickens from close range, poking the ball home after chesting down a long service from midfield by Marvell Wynne. That goal sealed the draw for TFC, and kept them unbeaten in their last three road games, all in the midst of a current six-game swing away from BMO Field.
Fire defender C.J. Brown said his squad just needs to get back to basics.
"We need to be strong in the box and coach (Denis Hamlett) said that when you're strong in the box it is harder for teams to score on you," Brown said.
Brown picked up Chicago's lone caution in the 31st minute. But it means he will be suspended for Thursday's game against Houston Dynamo as he accumulated his fifth yellow card of the season.
One key returnee for the Fire was Justin Mapp. The Chicago midfielder left the club in early June to play for the U.S. national team in both the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Copa America. Although he did not start, Mapp came into the contest in the 63rd minute to replace Thiago, and his entrance provided a spark.
"He played 65 minutes in the Copa America on Thursday and he flew all day Friday and he has played lot of games during the last month," said Hamlett. "I asked him what he would be able to do for us (tonight) and he said he could help as a reserve."
Mapp said he had to take three planes Friday to make the return trip to Chicago from Venezuela.
"The flights were on time but it took a while to get through customs in three countries so that was tiring," Mapp said. "I thought both teams were fighting hard. It was hot and it was the third game for the team in a week. I was just trying to come in there and provide some energy more than anything. It was a tough ballgame. Both teams had several chances but both got a point in the end."
On Monday, Chicago will introduce new head coach Juan Carlos Osorio. Osorio was recently head coach for Colombian side Millonarios and from 2001-06 was an assistant manager for Manchester City FC of the English Premier League.
Osorio becomes just the third head coach in Fire history and Chicago defender Diego Gutierrez said he knows him very well.
"He is a very capable coach," Gutierrez said. "He is very organized and meticulous. He pays attention to detail and he has been successful in many places. We played 15 games but we still have 15 games left so maybe we could use a breath of fresh air."
Hamlett was 0-1-2 after taking over for Dave Sarachan, who was dismissed on June 20.
"Denis was a gentleman and very professional while he's been coaching here," said Gutierrez. "I hope he stays with the team."
Tim Hilton is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
