In a result that had massive implications on the MLS playoff picture, the Chicago Fire got a late penalty kick for a 2-1 victory against the Los Angeles Galaxy. The victory secured the Fire's place in the MLS Cup Playoffs, while the loss left the defending MLS champion perilously closer to missing out on the postseason for the first time in league history.
Chris Rolfe gave the Fire an early lead, then Landon Donovan scored the equalizer with 12 minutes to go. But Andy Herron scored from the penalty spot just six minutes later to book the Fire's ticket -- and leave the Galaxy with real worries.
With the teams playing for the first of two meetings in five days -- they will also meet Wednesday at Toyota Park in the U.S. Open Cup Final -- it didn't take long for the Fire to assert their home-field advantage.
Chicago defender Tony Sanneh sent a long pass to the left side for Justin Mapp, who then pushed forward into the box. With no shot available, he sent a nice centering pass to forward Rolfe, who had only the 'keeper to beat.
With little effort, Rolfe calmly tapped the ball into the net just 38 seconds into the contest to give the Fire the lead in the ninth-fastest goal in MLS history.
Six points out of the final playoff spot as the evening began, the Galaxy needed to push forward for the equalizer, and in the eighth minute Donovan led a quick counterattack. From the left side of the box, he sent in a nice cross that was met with a header from Peter Vagenas.
The ball hit the head of Chicago wingback Gonzalo Segares and bounced back to Vagenas, who quickly was able to send another effort toward goal, only to see Fire 'keeper Matt Pickens pick it up easily.
The Galaxy were creating plenty of chances, but none greatly dangerous. In the 11th minute, L.A. midfielder Cobi Jones made a great through pass to forward Alan Gordon, but his point-blank shot couldn't beat Pickens. Gordon and Paulo Nagamura had chances that were off the mark.
After the break, the Galaxy again came close. Jones made a nice long pass to Gordon who ran deep into the box. But holding his ground, Pickens again came up big with a solid save to maintain the Fire lead.
Pickens saved his team again in short order. In the 52nd minute, Gordon was again running at the Chicago net. With only the 'keeper to beat, Gordon shot to his left only to be denied by the quick foot of Pickens.
Three minutes later, Gordon again had an attempt on net, sending a header towards the far post, only to be saved by a diving Pickens. That would be the end of Gordon's efforts on the night, as he was taken out in favor of Herculez Gomez in the 56th minute. He had five shots on goal, all saved by Perkins, who would eventually end up with 10 saves on the night.
But the Galaxy hit home in the 78th minute as Donovan ran up the middle of the field and took a shot from the top of the penalty area. The shot seemed to catch the Chicago backline off guard as all Pickens could do was watch it sail into the far corner of the net to tie the contest.
However the Fire would retake the lead six minutes later through the efforts of Herron. He was taken down in the corner of the penalty area by L.A. defender Tyrone Marshall, and referee Hilario Grajeda pointed to the spot. Marshall was booked for his foul on the play, and Donovan also saw yellow for protesting the decision.
Herron took his own penalty, and sent it to the left of Kevin Hartman in the Galaxy goal to put the Fire back in front, 2-1.
The Fire had actually already earned their place in the MLS Cup Playoffs when D.C. United defeated the New York Red Bulls, but the victory sealed it. The Galaxy, however, are still at least six points out of the final playoff spot in the West, with three games left to go.
Jack Daniel Chavez is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
