Justin Mapp's free kick might have provided the margin of victory, but the performance of goalkeeper Matt Pickens was the difference Sunday as the Chicago Fire defeated the New England Revolution 1-0 in the first leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
"To keep a zero at home with Matt in goal and our defending group, I thought they did an outstanding job today," said Fire head coach Dave Sarachan. "So far we feel good about it, but we know there's more to come next weekend."
Said Mapp: "He [Pickens] impresses us every week, especially with those point-blank shots."
Pickens was credited with eight saves on the cold afternoon at Toyota Park in making his playoff debut, setting the stage with an early close-range stop on Steve Ralston when the MLS ironman was in alone on goal, and later stopping a jackknife header from Taylor Twellman from inside the goalmouth.
"Pickens was good today -- pretty clear and solid," said Fire captain Chris Armas.
Pickens was given the start ahead of Zach Thornton, who had started every one of the Fire's previous 31 playoff matches in club history. Pickens took over the starting job in league play on Sept. 3 when Thornton was injured and started each of the final eight games of the season.
"We believe in everyone," Armas said. "Zach is still a big part of this team and the reason why Matt is doing so well. He is always the first one off the bench to congratulate him."
On the attacking end, Mapp was a major reason why the Fire were able to defeat the Revolution for the first time ever in Bridgeview. "Justin was very active today, when we had the ball and without," Sarachan said.
Said Mapp: "I thought it was a pretty complete game. I tried to contribute and make it hard for [New England's] Shalrie Joseph and Jeff Larentowicz."
Mapp's free kick from just outside the penalty area that curled over the static Revolution wall and inside the right-hand post was all the Fire needed for the victory.
"It was just a normal free kick. They had a good wall set. I'm not sure if it snuck through or if it went over, but we'll take it," he said.
The Fire would feel safer with more than a one-goal lead heading to New England for next Saturday's return match. Still, Sarachan said, a one-goal lead is better than none at all.
"Justin hit a great free kick. Obviously as a team we wanted the second goal and to get a little greedy, but in a series like this you have to be cautious, so you don't compromise the game and give them the opportunity to get the goal back," the Fire boss said.
It's also an important edge given that the Fire won both league meetings against New England this year in Foxborough.
"It's better than a 1-0 loss. It's a two-game series and right now we're at halftime. We're winning 1-0 at halftime, and the game's not over. The series isn't over," Sarachan said. "I'm sure New England is thinking they get back at home and all they need is one goal. It's important looking ahead if we get the first goal, things might change. We're still very pleased to have a 1-0 lead going into New England."
Added Armas: "We did not want to go to New England even or behind. We accomplished our goal and kept a clean sheet. We have managed to get results in Gillette Stadium this year, I think two wins. We know what it feels like to go over there and win, so hopefully we go over there and win or tie."
Jack Daniel Chavez is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
