Chicago extracted a measure of revenge Sunday for the Eastern Conference Championship loss to the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium five months ago by earning their first victory of the season, 2-1, in New England's home opener.
Chris Rolfe scored the game-winning goal in the 68th minute after Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis could not handle Chad Barrett's cross.
The Revolution had opened the scoring with a Taylor Twellman header in the 54th minute before Thiago scored a well-taken goal 10 minutes later to tie the game.
Revolution head coach Steve Nicol gave an MLS debut to New Zealand international Tony Lochhead. The Kiwi was called upon to replace the injured Joe Franchino (hamstring), with Pat Noonan (hamstring) and Steve Ralston (groin) also ruled out.
Chris Armas was given his first start after returning from an ACL tear. The Fire captain operated within his traditional central midfield berth for the Fire, who are still missing Nate Jaqua (shoulder) and Gonzalo Segares (ankle) through injury.
The home team started the better of the two sides, with Clint Dempsey, likely to be named to his first World Cup side for the U.S. on Tuesday, challenging Zach Thornton at the near post on 11 minutes. The veteran Fire 'keeper got down well to deny the dynamic Revs attacker.
Dempsey was nudged off the ball as he was steaming into the penalty area in the 16th minute. Thiago's shoulder charge was rightly deemed fair play by referee Alex Prus, leaving Dempsey remonstrating about his lack of luck.
Chicago gradually settled into the contest, dominating possession and looking the livelier of the two sides moving forward.
Justin Mapp served as the catalyst on 44 minutes, as his darting run to the center from his traditional left flank channel showed his pace and incisiveness. His through ball to Chad Barrett showed ingenuity, but Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis was sharply off his line to deny Barrett's goal-scoring opportunity.
As the second half opened, Twellman scored his first goal of the season on 54 minutes. It was the quality of Andy Dorman's curling cross to the back post that made Twellman's header the simplest of chances and the U.S. national team striker made no mistake from six yards. It was the Revolution's first goal from the run of play on the season.
Chicago equalized through a sublime offensive move in the 64th minute. Logan Pause's ball over the top was perfectly weighted. Brazilian playmaker Thiago tapped the ball around a leaping Michael Parkhurst and smashed an effort into the upper right corner past Reis.
The Fire scored the winner in the 68th minute through Rolfe. Reis and defender Jay Heaps flapped at Chad Barrett's cross, with the rebound off Reis's hands falling invitingly to Rolfe, who made no mistake from 10 yards.
The Revolution piled forward in the later stages, introducing Willie Sims for his first MLS action. Twellman hit the bar on 85 minutes after he connected with a Jose Cancela corner. It was the closest the Revolution would come to finding the tying goal, although James Riley's 90th minute strike was powerfully hit right at Thornton. The Fire held resolute for their first victory of the campaign.
Kyle McCarthy is a contirbutor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
