By DAN KARELL
D.C. United looked well on their way to securing another crucial late-season victory, but the Chicago Fire had other ideas.
Matt Watson’s late second half goal ensured that the Fire would share the spoils with the Eastern Conference-leading D.C. United, as the two combined to score six goals in a 3-3 draw on Saturday evening at Toyota Park. Luis Silva finished the match with a pair of goals for D.C. United, including one on a beautifully taken free kick.
The evening got off to a bang for the hosts, as forward Quincy Amarikwa put them up 1-0 in the 60th minute, when he curled one in on a far post strike. Jeff Lawrentowicz added the Fire’s second in the 32nd minute, cannoning home a free kick.
Then it was time for D.C. United to make a huge comeback and get back into the game.
D.C. United’s entrance into the match was a 39th minute penalty kick that was called on Bakary Soumare. Silva stepped up to take the penalty kick and while his shot was partially blocked by Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson, Johnson could do not keep the shot out of the net.
Nine minutes into the second half, Silva took a free kick and curled it towards the far high post, again giving Johnson no chance. In the 68th minute, Bobby Boswell pounced on a goal-line clearance and side-footed home to give D.C. a solid lead on the road.
Watson, the 29-year-old Englishman, decided in the 78th minute to try his luck. Watson fired a strike towards the corner during a counter attack. Watson’s shot took a deflection on the way towards goal, making it a much tougher save for Johnson.
Watson’s goal was his first in MLS.
Here are the match highlights:
I also think it makes sense to refer to a free kick from the spot as a penalty kick, or maybe a PK. It adds clarity to what actually happened. In fairness, it was a powerful strike from the red head.
“Quincy Amarikwa put them up 1-0 in the 60th minute,” – It was the 16th minute.
“Watson’s shot took a deflection on the way towards goal, making it a much tougher save for Johnson.” – Bill Hamid is the goalie for DC united, not Sean Johnson.
Almost as poor as last night’s official.