The Chicago Fire lost 2-1 to Columbus in the Eastern Conference Final of the MLS Cup Playoffs. Brian McBride, who spent his first eight seasons in MLS with the Crew, put the Fire ahead in the first half on a header in the 30th minute off a cross from Justin Mapp. Columbus took control of the match in the second half as goals by Chad Marshall and Eddie Gaven just six minutes from each other gave the Crew a lead they would not give up. Columbus outshot Chicago by a 13-11 margin. McBride had a chance to tie the game in the 73rd minute but Columbus' William Hesmer saved the shot.
CHI - Brian McBride 1 (Justin Mapp 2), 30'
CLB-Chad Marshall (Guillermo Barros Schelotto), 49'
CLB-Eddie Gaven (Alejandro Moreno, Schelotto), 55'
Misconduct Summary:
CHI-Bakary Soumare (yellow), 22'
CHI-Gonzalo Seagares (yellow), 48'
CLB-Danny O'Rourke (yellow), 55'
CHI-Brandon Prideaux (yellow), 67'
CLB-William Hesmer (yellow), 90+'
Chicago Lineup(4-4-2): GK-Jon Busch, D-Brandon Prideaux (Patrick Nyarko, 70'), D-Wilman Conde, D-Gonzalo Segares (Mike Banner, 79'), D-Bakary Soumare, M-Chris Rolfe (Marco Pappa 90'), M-Logan Pause, M-John Thorrington, M-Justin Mapp, F-Cuauhtémoc Blanco (captain), F-Brian McBride.
Subs not used: Nick Noble, Diego Gutierrez, Dasan Robinson, Andy Herron.
Columbus Lineup(4-4-2): GK- William Hesmer, D-Frankie Hejudk (captain), D-Gino Padula, D-Chad Marshall, D-Danny O'Rourke, M-Eddie Gaven (Andy Ito 88'), M-Brian Carroll, M-Brad Evans, M-Robbie Rogers, F-Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Emmanuel Ekpo, 81'), F-Alejandro Moreno.
Subs not used: Andy Gruenebaum, Ezra Hendrickson, Stefani Miglioranzi, Pat Noonan, Steve Lambert.
GAME NOTES
• The Fire lost out on a chance to advance to the MLS Cup...they had played in 3 previous Cup finals winning in 1998 and then losing in 2000 and 2003.
• This is the 3rd consecutive Eastern Conference final Chicago has lost after losing to New England in 2005 and 2007.
• Tonight's loss puts the Fire's record in conference final games and/or series at 3-4-0
• Tonight's game was the first-ever between the teams in the playoffs. These teams have played 37 regular season games.
• The MLS Cup will take place on Sunday, November 23 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA...the game is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. Central and will be televised by ABC.
Referee: Terry Vaughn
Referee's Assistants: Thomas Supple, Fabio Tovar
4th Official: Richard Herron
