Fire Drop First of 2007

By Todd McClamroch in News on May 7, 2007 1:03PM

The Chicago Fire came into the week tied for first place as a result of the Fire's best Major League start in club history, 3-0-1. After Sunday night’s loss to the New England Revolution the Fire (3-1-1, 10 pts) fall below the fold in the tough Eastern Conference standings to fourth behind Kansas City (4-1-0, 12 pts), New York Red Bulls (3-0-2, 11 pts) and New England Revs (3-1-2, 11 pts).

The Fire were able to shut down Major League Soccer's leading goal scorer Taylor Twellman for the second time in 2007, but a few defensive lapses lead to the Rev's 3-1 victory. The Fire fell behind just 16 minutes into the match, but Chris Rolfe blasted a goal from outside the box, providing the equalizer just before the midway break. The Fire contended well in the second half, but a well-placed cross by Khano Smith found Steve Ralston who tapped in the game winner. The Fire had several chances to equalize but could not convert. Rookie Wells Thompson scored his first MLS goal, giving the Revolution some added insurance in the 81st minute.

The Fire plays their last of three straight road games next Saturday against expansion franchise Toronto FC. The Fire will look to bring home three points from their trip across the border against a squad that has yet to score a goal or earn a single point in their inaugural season (0-4-0).