Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By IVES GALARCEP
The Chicago Fire were trailing as the final minutes ticked away in the first half of Sunday’s match vs. the New York Red Bulls, and might have found it too tough a road to come back if they headed into the locker room trailing at halftime, but Daniel Paladini was determined to chance Chicago’s fortunes and did just that.
The Fire midfielder scored a header just before halftime, leaping up to beat Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles to the ball to give Chicago an equalizer, then he helped set up two late goals to secure a 3-1 victory. Paladini’s performance made him a strong pick for SBI MLS Player of the Week for Week Six.
Paladini beat out a good field of contenders that included teammate Maicon Santos, who scored both goals he assisted on, Portland tandem Ryan Johnson and Diego Chara, and Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Clint Irwin.
What did you think of Paladini’s performance? Which player would have received your SBI MLS Player of the Week vote?
Share your thoughts below.
Great goal. It stands out because the Fire have been off all year. Chris Rolfe’s PK, Anilbaba’s own goal, and MacDonald’s entire season were the examples of the woes of the Fire…until Paladini’s goal. Here’s hoping this was not a one off for the team.
On another note, we need to get this team out of Bridgeview and into the city. I attended games at Soldier Field before they dropped a flying saucer on it and it was an awesome atmosphere. Having the team located 10-15 miles outside the city is silly. If you want attendance to improve, move the fire to the city.
Saved the Fire’s season on that goal right before the half.
I could feel the final glimmers of hope peter out in front of my eyes, as rolfe missed that pk. Similar to the feeling I’ve gotten in past Aprils, as a cubs fans. That terrible feeling that you have 9 long months of meaningless games…since you’ve pissed the playoff chances away so quickly.
But Paladini brought us from the brink.
Been the Fire’s best player all year, has earned a starting spot in the midfield!