LAKE FOREST, IL - The Chicago Fire Reserves (2-4-2, 8 pts.) dropped their latest Reserve Division contest 1-0 against the Colorado Rapids Reserves (7-1-0, 21 pts.) on Sunday morning at Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest, IL. An 85th minute game-winner from Rapids forward Melvin Tarley proved to be the only goal of the match, as the Fire Reserves lost their first Reserve Division game since a 3-2 result at home versus D.C. United on July 23. Colorado maintained its solid Reserve Division run, winning a third-straight on a season it has lost only once in - a 2-1 decision vs. Chivas USA on July 21.
The first ten minutes of play saw the Fire Reserves take it to their counterparts from Colorado, clogging up the middle well and stretching the defense with long flank play. But Colorado advanced well on its counter-attacking ability in the 15th minute, working a one-two fast break between Eric Denton and Melvin Tarley to force a tip-save out of Fire goalkeeper Matt Pickens for a Rapids corner kick.
Seven minutes later Colorado had another chance with a Tarley cracker from eight yards out forcing another strong save by Pickens for another corner. In the 23rd minute Chicago nearly went up a goal, courtesy of a 10-yard blast from Fire defender Gonzalo Segares that required an acrobatic punch-save from Rapids goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul to clear the danger. The Fire Reserves began to calm the pace of the game, patiently holding the ball in the Rapids half and looking for better goal-scoring opportunities. Neither team could find the finishing touch as the halftime whistle blew with the score still deadlocked at 0-0.
The second half saw the away side turn up the offensive pressure for the first 10 minutes of play, but the Fire regained its defensive shape as the half wore on. Both teams looked to push into the final third, only to be turned away repeatedly by staunch defense. Second half Fire substitute John Thorrington sent a cross into the box from the right side in the 68th minute that found midfielder Floyd Franks at the far post for a header, but his redirect attempt was sent just left of the frame.
In the 85th minute, Colorado would finally break through thanks to an enthusiastic run from the left to the right side of play from Rapids forward Fabrice Noel and his ensuing give-and-go with Tarley. Noel spun past two defenders and slipped a through-ball back to Tarley, who made no mistake from six yards to beat Pickens and give the Rapids Reserves a late 1-0 advantage. Colorado would then drop back to protect its lead, but a rocket of a shot in the 88th minute from second-half Fire sub David Henning from point-blank range nearly tied things up, if not for a strong save from Coundoul. That one goal lead would stand, the result sending the Fire Reserves' winless streak to six games and the Rapids Reserves' winning streak to three matches.
Scoring Summary:
COL - Melvin Tarley (Fabrice Noel) 85
Chicago Fire Reserves (4-4-2) - Matt Pickens, Jim Curtin, Alex Ughiovhe (David Henning 83), Gonzalo Segares (John Thorrington 60), Jordan Russolillo (Jared Montz 53), Logan Pause (Hemir Niebles 65), Leonard Griffin, Angel Rivillo, Thiago (Omar McFarland 30), Ryan Johnson (Landy Mattison 82), Floyd Franks (Awa Morad 69).
SUBS NOT USED: Calen Carr, David Mahoney, Pete Dzubay.
Colorado Rapids Reserves (4-4-2) - Bouna Coundoul, Stephen Keel, Jordan Harveg, Eric Denton (Matt Crawford 45), Luchi Gonzalez, Sasha Gotsmanov, Alain Nkong (Chris Wingert 45), Colin Clark, Fabrice Noel, Melvin Tarley.
SUBS NOT USED: Matt Jordan, Lee Zarzeki, Steve Doster, Eric Lukin, Billi Alaka.
Misconduct Summary:
COL - Alain Nkong (Caution) 38
COL - Eric Denton (Caution) 38
Referee: Roni Canales, Referee's Assistants: Niko Bratsis, Fernando Galvan, 4th Official: Lee Suckle.
Attendance: 45; Weather: Cloudy, 70 degrees.
