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Nyarko leads revitalized Fire past rusty Red Bulls

FireRedBulls (Getty)

By JEFFREY KRAUSE

BRIDGEVIEW, IL- The New York Red Bulls defense had been one of the stingiest in the league before going into the extended MLS break, but having nearly a month off from MLS play didn't seem to do much good for the Red Bulls as the Chicago Fire ripped their defense to shreds for a vital home victory.

Patrick Nyarko scored a goal and set up a second as the Fire rolled to a 3-1 victory at Toyota Park on Sunday. A Dax McCarty goal gave the Red Bulls some life in the second half, but Chris Rolfe buried the final nail in New York's coffin by adding Chicago's third and final goal, scoring his first goal since returning for a second stint with the Fire.

Chicago moved the ball freely throughout, as New York played a step too slow most of the afternoon and gave the Fire ample room to move through the midfield. New York's troubles started in the 5th minute, as a Chicago attack culminated in midfielder Sebastian Grazzini sending a perfect cross into the box to an unmarked Nyarko, who headed it past New York goalkeeper Ryan Meara to give Chicago the early lead.

"It’s important after this two week break to start off on the right track," said Frank Klopas after the game. "We talked about coming out from the beginning and having a good start to the game and pressuring right off the bat."

Chicago added to their total in the second half with strikes from Gonzalo Segares and Chris Rolfe. Segares' goal came just minutes after Chris Rolfe fed forward Dominic Oduro with a perfect pass that should have resulted in a goal. Despite Meara getting a hand to it, Oduro's shot trickled towards goal, cleared out after crossing the line by former Fire defender Wilman Conde. The assistant referee claimed to not see the ball cross the line, and referree Baldomero Toledo instructed the teams to play on. 

Klopas was gracious in his comments regarding the play, focusing on his team's response. ”You saw change a little bit, the players pushed harder to get the win. They never lost confidence or the belief. Chris played a great through ball. The team responded really well after that."

New York got on the board by way of a 55th minute header from Dax McCarty, who somehow connected with a Mehdi Ballouchy corner kick to briefly draw New York level. That was all the offense New York could create, however, and Chicago broke New York's six game unbeaten streak in front of over 18,000 Chicago faithful.

Here are the match highlights:

 

What did you think of the match? Impressed with Chicago's attack? Starting to wonder if the Red Bulls are going to start struggling, or do you think this was just one bad day for a strong team?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. It better be a named DP, someone who could help draw fans into the seats and who has the skill set for us. I’d love to get another Striker to pair up top with Oduro. I hope we do end up spending the money because if they do and Friedrich comes back and stays healthy, look out.

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  2. Newspaper reports said the linesman, er, referee’s assistant, was out of position, i.e., way up the sideline, and therefore unable to see the goal.

    Boy, my fellow RBNY fans must have gotten out of practice, or are too distracted by the Euro games — a loss like this usually results in some very animated posting.

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  3. During the telecast the announcers commented that Klopas has identified 3 attackers and has the okay from management to sign one presumably as a DP. So keep your fingers crossed

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  4. There’s something to be said for loyalty as a fan in my opinion. Just ask a Cubs fan how sweet it will feel once they win the World Series (I happen to be one).

    And unlike teams in any other first division soccer league around the world, NYRB will never get relegated.

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  5. Not quite sure how the Ref and AR could miss that goal. That ball was a foot in the goal when Conde got there. From my seats in the middle of the field, I could see green between the ball and the goal line.

    We are just lucky that the team rallied and got the 3 points that they deserved. Once again, the Fire have the potential to be a real contender this year, despite having 0 DP’s.

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  6. I’ve been a RB/Metro fan since the first game as well and you support your team win or lose (and yes, it’s been rough). Did River fans change sides? QPR fans? Blackpool fans? Don’t be a fair weather supporter.

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  7. Mike, direct your anger at those wankers at FIFA, who still have no clue that we’re in the 21st century. This technology was available years ago and they still insist on sticking their heads up their butts.

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  8. As a NYRB fan I need some advice…is it time to drop them as “my team”? Bee a MEtro fan since the opening season in 1996 and I know this is only one game, but they were two steps behind all game and gave they way too much space to play with. I’m really getting tired of the two steps up one step back routine. Here’s to hoping Marquez doesn’t recover from his injury and the NYRB dropping him come the transfer window.

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  9. Goals are goals, if the ball crosses the line you just gotta award it!

    Brings back memories of world cup play, and almost destroying a TV set in the basement.

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  10. Didn’t get to see the game, what was the NYRB lineup? Looks like we’d finally found a nice chemistry due to injuries and suspensions, did the lineup change much, or was this more a factor of “rust” as is alluded to in the subject?

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  11. It has already been discussed extensively, but that goal not being given still infuriates me. I don’t know where to direct my anger though.

    Chris Rolfe is back. And he’s going to retake his crown as the best attacking midfielder in MLS.

    Reply

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