Fire tops Revolution 2-1
Chad Barrett tallied a game-winning goal and an assist to lead the Chicago Fire to a 2-1 win over the New England Revolution at Toyota Park on Saturday.
New England took the lead in the 24th minute. Jeff Larentowicz blasted the ball to the right of Fire goalkeeper Matt Pickens reach and into the net.
Chris Rolfe tallied just before the half, tying the game at 1-1. Chad Barrett attempted to make a run, but backpedaled sending the ball to Rolfe. The striker drilled it into the lower left corner of the net.
In the 60th minute, Paulo Wanchope sent the ball to goal. New England goalkeeper Matt Reis blocked the shot, sending it back into play.
Barrett picked up the rebound and buried it into the net for a 2-1 lead.
New England had a couple of close calls late in the game. Steve Ralston hit the crossbar in the 62nd minute. Pat Noonan sent the ball wide in the 67th minute. Shalrie Joseph hit the post in the 71st minute. Jay Heaps almost snuck one into the net in the 88th minute.
Chicago Head Coach Juan Carlos Osorio sat the game out after receiving a red card vs. Chivas USA last week.
With the Columbus Crew falling to FC Dallas 3-1 earlier in the evening, Chicago (9-10-9, 36 points) takes a five-point lead in the race for the playoffs.
Saturday's crowd of 20,014 was the Fire's sixth sellout of the season.
Both the Fire and the Revolution are back in action Saturday. New England (14-7-7, 49 points) faces the Columbus Crew, while Chicago visits D.C. United.
The Fire will host an international exhibition Wednesday vs. Cruz Azul.