If there was a good time to play Chicago, it was probably Wednesday evening past: The Fire, not enjoying some decidedly indifferent home form, a low to non-existent decibel level from the stands negating the influence of home advantage, and the return to defence of Rod Fanni. What could go wrong?
It all looked encouraging throughout most of a first-half only really remarkable for an uncharacteristic miss control by Piatti, when presented with an opportunity he’d normally gobble up effortlessly. But surely there would be others …. Right?
Wrong!
An insipid second-half by the Impact from an attacking perspective ensued, and despite an admirable display in the art of defending, the Montrealers were undone at the death, allowing Fire’s Kevin Ellis to carry the ball farther and longer than he could’ve expected, before placing a deflected shot past Bush.