Sunday, June 15, 2008

FC Dallas 1, Chicago Fire 0

By Erin Rice

Cumulated history was on FC Dallas' side entering Sunday's home game against the Chicago Fire. FCD is up in the all-time series against Chicago and has not dropped a home game to the Fire since 1999 at the Cotton Bowl. Recent history, however, was not in their corner. FCD was amid a two-game losing "streak" and at 3-5-4, they were sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference. But an early goal would be enough to give the Hoops the win and pull them up two positions to third.

fc.dallas.mlsnet.com

Our love for Kenny Cooper grows with each passing game.

After missing some chances on net early in the game, Dallas' lead scorer proved himself in the 17th minute. Off a well-placed through ball from Andre Rocha, Kenny Cooper was left essentially to himself running onto net. Slotting a ball into the right netting, Cooper put FCD up by one, a goal that would stand for the rest of the match. The effort from Rocha put him in a six-way tie for second place in the MLS in assists.

Chicago was missing a number of starters due to injury, red cards, and national team obligations. Their offensive effort was clearly hampered, as the Fire mustered only three shots on goal the entire match, their first coming at nearly the end of the first half. While FCD keeper Dario Sala, back from injury, was able to take a breather much of the match, Chicago's Jon Busch was kept busy, making 9 saves on the afternoon.

A pair of late efforts in the second half gave the Fire an opportunity to equalize, but they fell ultimately short. Dallas, looking to expand on their lead, had several late chances as well courtesy of Dominic Oduro's signature speed. In the end he was denied, but FCD came away with a win as it was and, of course, a cheap excuse for a Father's Day present provided they contributed their efforts to the right person.

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