IAMI, Fla. - The Chicago Fire suffered its seventh preseason loss this evening as the team went scoreless in a 1-0 loss against Miami FC of the United Soccer Leagues at Tropical Park Stadium. The Fire started with a younger lineup with the majority of its veterans watching from the sidelines. The game was almost entirely played in heavy rain and windy conditions.
In the 28th minute Miami's Eric Vasquez recovered a ball deflected off a Fire defender and sent a hard shot from 19 yards out past goalkeeper Matt Pickens.
The Fire's best chance to answer came in the 33rd minute as Chad Barrett maneuvered through several Miami defenders and ripped a shot across the goal, which hit the post and rebounded towards Calen Carr. Carr immediately attempted a follow up shot, but Miami goalkeeper Chris Doyle easily scooped up the ball. The "Men in Red" continued to challenge the Miami defense throughout the first half, but were unable to finish.
"The field surface made it a difficult game, but otherwise it was the same old story," said Sarachan "We generated enough chances but fell a little short. The guys gave a good effort and we just have to focus now on tightening everything up so we are ready to go on April 7th."
With only two games remaining in preseason, the Fire drop to a record of 4-7-1.
The Fire travel to Jackson, Miss. next week where the team will be rejoined by Mississippi native Justin Mapp, who has been training with the U.S. Men's National Team. Also set to rejoin the team is Fire midfielder Ivan Guerrero, who has been training with the Honduran National Team. After a five-day stay in Jackson, the Fire will return home to take on the New England Revolution in its home opener on April 7.
Scoring Summary:
MIA - Eric Vasquez (UA) 28'
Fire Lineup (3-5-2): Matt Pickens (Nick Noble 32) (Jon Busch 61), Dasan Robinson, Osei Telesford (Thiago 45), Jordan Russolillo (Daniel Woolard 61), Logan Pause (Floyd Franks 61), Jerson Monteiro (Nate Norman 61), William Oliviera (Erik Hort 61), Bakary Soumare (Jeff Curtin 61) (Jim Curtin 85), Brian Plotkin (Mike Banner 61), Calen Carr, Chad Barrett.
Miami Lineup (4-4-2): Chris Doyle, Gerghiny Obas, Gordon Williams, J.P. Rodriguez (Sean Cameron 45), Jamil Jean-Jacques, John Pulido, Rachio (Nico Mosquera 45), Sergio Van Kanten, Eric Vasquez, Sean Barrett (Carlos Calcagno 45), Luis Gonzalez
Discipline Summary:
NONE
Referees: Joe Caroccio, Mark Cahen, Stefan McHardy
