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Fire And Revs Share The Spoils In New England
The Eastern Conference couldn't manage to find the net in a 0-0 draw.
Oct 17, 2009 11:46:11 PM
FOXBORO- Neither the New England Revolution nor the Chicago Fire had much to gain from a draw on Saturday night, but both sides would have to settle for a share of the spoils in a 0-0 draw.
With the news of assistant coach Paul Mariner leaving the side for a head coaching gig in England breaking before the match New England had even more motivation to put in a good performance. But as has been the case over the final stretch of the season the Revs lacked the creative flair to open up Chicago's back line.
The Fire had a chance to seal a spot in the postseason with a win. Sitting on 41 points at the start of the night the Fire still control their own destiny, but Saturday's draw will lead to a nervy finale for the East's second best squad.
First Half:
In traditional fashion New England came out of the blocks quickly with Sainey Nyassi, and Kevin Alston combining to set up a half chance for Kheli Dube in just the second minute. Dube's finish was well off target, but it was promising stuff from the home team.
Chicago answered with a chance of their own just moments later when Patrick Nyarko's cross from the right wing found a heavily marked Brian McBride in the New England box. The formers U.S. star couldn't get his shot on frame either, but it was a scintillating start to an otherwise drab match.
For the next 20 minutes New England had the lion's share of possession. Shalrie Joseph and Jeff Larentowicz dominated the middle part of the pitch leaving Nyassi and left winger Kenny Mansally free to roam, but the chances created were few and far between.
Nyassi came the closest to opening the scoring in the 24th. Larentowicz wona ball int he middle of the pitch and sent it to the streaking winger who was in clear on goal, but his shot was hit directly at Chicago 'keeper Jon Busch.
After the opening burst of energy from the home side Chicago settled the pace and began to assert their will onto the match, but much like New England the imagination and execution in the final third was lacking.
Marco Pappa had a golden opportunity in the 35th when Nyarco's cross found him at the back post, but rather than taking the shot on first time the midfielder let is bounce and the danger was clear.
Four minutes later Chris Rolfe had a chance on the break after outworking Revolution defender Darrius Barnes, but he couldn't put his chipped effort on goal.
Chicago's best chance came in the 42nd when Pappa beat his man tot he endline and slid a ball in for McBride, but Revolution 'keeper Matt Reis cleared the danger and the match went to the break level.
Second Half:
The second half was much like the first. Plenty of open play with very little to show for it int he way of chances on goal. Alstonwas again the bright spot for the Revs. His pace on the right flank was clearly the biggest asset the home side had and int he 57th his run should've led to a goal.
After being played through by Edgaras Jankauskas the rookie sped into the box and pulled the ball back into the path of Dube. The striker, who has been one of the biggest goal scoring threats for New England this season, couldn't get his body shaped right for the hit and the move ended up being harmless.
Chicago's big break seemed to have come in the 62nd. Revolution defender Emmanuel Osei took a horrific touch that left Reis one on one with Rolfe. The forward wont he race to the ball and touched around the sliding 'keeper before going to ground. The whistle was blow, but rather than pointing to the spot Rolfe was handed a caution for simulation.
In the 80th, after the introduction of Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Chicago had one final chance to seal their playoff spot. The Mexican star did well to set McBride free down the right and the striker struck his cross first time, curling a well weighted ball low to the back post. The onrushing Baggio Husidic went full stretch to try and put the finishing touch on it, but was a step late.
The match would end goalless, leaving New England in need of help in the final week to earn a playoff spot, while Chicago can clinch a spot with a win on the final day of the season.
Allen Ramsey, Goal.com
For more Major League Soccer news visit Goal.com's dedicated MLS page.
With the news of assistant coach Paul Mariner leaving the side for a head coaching gig in England breaking before the match New England had even more motivation to put in a good performance. But as has been the case over the final stretch of the season the Revs lacked the creative flair to open up Chicago's back line.
The Fire had a chance to seal a spot in the postseason with a win. Sitting on 41 points at the start of the night the Fire still control their own destiny, but Saturday's draw will lead to a nervy finale for the East's second best squad.
First Half:
In traditional fashion New England came out of the blocks quickly with Sainey Nyassi, and Kevin Alston combining to set up a half chance for Kheli Dube in just the second minute. Dube's finish was well off target, but it was promising stuff from the home team.
Chicago answered with a chance of their own just moments later when Patrick Nyarko's cross from the right wing found a heavily marked Brian McBride in the New England box. The formers U.S. star couldn't get his shot on frame either, but it was a scintillating start to an otherwise drab match.
For the next 20 minutes New England had the lion's share of possession. Shalrie Joseph and Jeff Larentowicz dominated the middle part of the pitch leaving Nyassi and left winger Kenny Mansally free to roam, but the chances created were few and far between.
Nyassi came the closest to opening the scoring in the 24th. Larentowicz wona ball int he middle of the pitch and sent it to the streaking winger who was in clear on goal, but his shot was hit directly at Chicago 'keeper Jon Busch.
After the opening burst of energy from the home side Chicago settled the pace and began to assert their will onto the match, but much like New England the imagination and execution in the final third was lacking.
Marco Pappa had a golden opportunity in the 35th when Nyarco's cross found him at the back post, but rather than taking the shot on first time the midfielder let is bounce and the danger was clear.
Four minutes later Chris Rolfe had a chance on the break after outworking Revolution defender Darrius Barnes, but he couldn't put his chipped effort on goal.
Chicago's best chance came in the 42nd when Pappa beat his man tot he endline and slid a ball in for McBride, but Revolution 'keeper Matt Reis cleared the danger and the match went to the break level.
Second Half:
The second half was much like the first. Plenty of open play with very little to show for it int he way of chances on goal. Alstonwas again the bright spot for the Revs. His pace on the right flank was clearly the biggest asset the home side had and int he 57th his run should've led to a goal.
After being played through by Edgaras Jankauskas the rookie sped into the box and pulled the ball back into the path of Dube. The striker, who has been one of the biggest goal scoring threats for New England this season, couldn't get his body shaped right for the hit and the move ended up being harmless.
Chicago's big break seemed to have come in the 62nd. Revolution defender Emmanuel Osei took a horrific touch that left Reis one on one with Rolfe. The forward wont he race to the ball and touched around the sliding 'keeper before going to ground. The whistle was blow, but rather than pointing to the spot Rolfe was handed a caution for simulation.
In the 80th, after the introduction of Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Chicago had one final chance to seal their playoff spot. The Mexican star did well to set McBride free down the right and the striker struck his cross first time, curling a well weighted ball low to the back post. The onrushing Baggio Husidic went full stretch to try and put the finishing touch on it, but was a step late.
The match would end goalless, leaving New England in need of help in the final week to earn a playoff spot, while Chicago can clinch a spot with a win on the final day of the season.
Allen Ramsey, Goal.com
For more Major League Soccer news visit Goal.com's dedicated MLS page.
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