BRIDGEVIEW, IL - The Chicago Fire Reserves lost a hard fought contest 1-0 against the Columbus Crew Reserves in a Major League Soccer Reserve contest today at the TOYOTA PARK practice field. Despite a great defensive effort from goalkeeper Jon Busch and the Fire's backline - including appearances from Diego Gutierrez and Jim Curtin - Columbus notched the game-winning goal in the 61st minute courtesy of forward Kei Kamara.
Busch made a number of first-half saves that kept Columbus scoreless headed into halftime. Crew forward Eddie Gavan hit a shot in the 22nd minute that took a bounce and nearly slipped under the crossbar, but Busch effectively tipped the shot over the goal to record the save. In the 43rd minute, Busch came up with another great save as he dove to his right to stop a header from Kamara. After making the initial save, Busch - while still on the ground - punched the ball away from danger, preventing a second shot.
The Crew Reserves tallied the game-winner thanks to a goal from Kamara in the 61st minute. Gaven crossed a ball from the right corner to Kamara who was positioned at the top of box. Kamara sent a hard shot to the left side of Busch to score the lone goal of the game.
The Fire Reserves attempted to battle back in the second half but were unable to finish on any of their opportunities. The Fire Reserves' best chance came in the 73rd minute as midfielder Mike Banner beat two Crew defenders at the top of the box and nailed a shot from left of center. The shot was blocked by defender Danny Szetela to keep the Fire Reserves scoreless on the match.
The Fire Reserves return to action on Sunday, June 10, (10:00 a.m. CT) to take on the CD Chivas USA Reserves at TOYOTA PARK.
Fire Reserves Lineup (4-4-2): GK- Jon Busch; D-Nate Norman, D-Jim Curtin, D-Diego Gutierrez (Billy Sobolewski 45), Daniel Woolard; M-Mike Banner, M-Erik Hort, M-Muner Hassan, M-Jordan Russolillo; F-Jerson Monteiro, F-Floyd Franks
Crew Reserves Lineup (4-4-2): GK-Bill Gaudette (Will Hesmer 45); D-Andrew Peterson, D-Chad Marshall, D-Tim Ward, D-Jed Zayner; M-Ricardo Virtuoso (Shelly Kellar 81), M-Danny Szetela, M-Stefani Miglioranzi, M-Aaron Chandler (Chris Turizo 76); F-Kei Kamara (Adrian Balc 73), F-Eddie Gaven
Scoring Summary
CLB - Kei Kamara (Eddie Gaven) 61
Misconduct Summary
CHI - Billy Sobolewski (Caution) 52
CLB - Jed Zayner (Caution) 69
Referee: Jose Gesundheit
Referee's Assistants: Mark Gorak, George Ghawi
4th Official: Khalaf Allatayfeh
Weather: Rain, 62 degrees
