Article updated: 10/31/2012 11:30 PM

Fire’s playoff stay a short one, lose 2-1 to Houston

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Fire midfielder Alvaro Fernandez, left, and Houston Dynamo midfielder Ricardo Clark battle for the ball during the first half Wednesday night.

Associated Press

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Wednesday night was a lesson in playoff soccer for the Chicago Fire. In its first playoff appearance since 2009, the Fire was knocked out after just one game, losing 2-1 to the Houston Dynamo at Toyota Park. And after going 1-3-1 in its final five regular-season games, the Fire couldn't regain any momentum. "We gave up a goal, things happen," Fire coach Frank Klopas said.