Chicago Fire Fall 2-1 To Minnesota United FC
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Chicago Fire (0-2-0, 0 points) fell 2-1 to Minnesota United FC (2-1-0, 6 points) on Saturday afternoon at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn.
After a scoreless first half, the hosts opened scoring in the 55th minute when Miguel Ibarra played a ball into the box from the right flank. Fire goalkeeper Richard Sanchez made the initial save on Ibson’s header but the Brazilian followed up on the rebound to get on the board.
The Fire equalized four minutes later after Nemanja Nikolic collected a loose ball in the box. Minnesota’s Matt Lampson dove to punch away the reigning MLS Golden Boot winner’s shot but rookie Elliot Collier pounced on the rebound with a right-footed volley into net for his first professional goal.
The Loons regained the lead in the 65th minute. Ethan Finlay whipped in a cross from the right and found an open Sam Nicholson, who rose up and redirected his header past Sanchez for the final goal of the game.
The Fire return to MLS action when they host the Portland Timbers on March 31 at 5 p.m. CT (MLS Live/Univision Chicago 1200AM).
Quotes:
Veljko Paunovic, Chicago Fire Head Coach
Thoughts on the game:
“It was a tough second half for us. We conceded two goals after a very good first half I think. I think defensively we were very solid and did a good job creating opportunities and moments in the game where we could score. We conceded goals too easily and that’s something that we have to improve and keep working on that and turn to the next game.”
On the absences of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Matt Polster:
“Bastian’s wife is expecting a baby and Polster got injured in our last training session. We basically had to switch what from we prepared, but that’s something that happens in this sport and in every sport. We were ready for the switch, but unfortunately in the second half we couldn’t keep the good game we were playing and the score that we were looking for which was 0-0 until we find an opportunity to score which happened later in the game. Again, conceding goals never was helpful and never is going to be helpful.”
On the first Fire starts for Elliot Collier, Kevin Ellis and Rafael Ramos:
“I think their attitudes were right. I am happy that Elliot scored his first goal, but also we have to say ‘when the team loses everyone loses.’ There’s a lot of jobs to do.”
On bringing on Daniel Johnson in the second half:
“We switched the way we wanted to play. We expected that he could find good pockets and spots on the field in turnovers and even later when we push a little higher up the field with three strikers, to be the guy that could be one on one, pick up second balls and try to impact the game. But I don’t think he found that opportunity.”
On the message to the team after two consecutive losses:
“We have to stick to together and keep working. We need to keep our faith and that’s it. Obviously nobody is happy with the performances so far.”
Elliot Collier, Chicago Fire Forward
On his MLS start:
“It was a tough game and I thought we had moments where we did well. It was nice to score my first MLS goal, but it’s a shame that we lost the game.”
On scoring his first goal:
“I saw Niko in front of goal and if Niko’s in front of goal he normally scores, but the keeper made a save so I just had to follow up.”
On how the team rebounds from the loss
“I think we have to take some time to get our heads back in the mindset of getting better in practice, getting back into and getting back to work.”
On the pace of the professional game compared to college:
“It’s definitely a step up and more physical. The speed of play is faster and you get punished for your mistakes. You have to be cleaner on the ball and you have to think faster.”
Chicago Fire 1:2 Minnesota United FC
March 17, 2018 – TCF Bank Stadium
Minneapolis, MN
Attendance: 23,138
Scoring Summary:
MIN – Ibson (unassisted) 55′
CHI – Elliot Collier (unassisted) 59′
MIN – Sam Nicholson (Ethan Finlay, Miguel Ibarra) 65
Misconduct Summary:
CHI – Kevin Ellis (caution) 60′
CHI – Tony Tchani (caution) 67′
MIN – Mayson Toye (caution) 90+2′
Chicago Fire: Richard Sanchez; Rafael Ramos (Drew Conner 84′), Johan Kappelhof, Brandon Vincent, Kevin Ellis; Dax McCarty ©, Tony Tchani; Aleksandar Katai (Daniel Johnson 73′), Elliot Collier, Luis Solignac (Alan Gordon 80′), Nemanja Nikolic
Subs not used: Patrick McLain, Mo Adams, Brandt Bronico, Christian Dean
Shots: 11; Shots On-Goal: 5; Fouls: 17; Saves: 3; Offsides: 2; Corners: 2.
Minnesota United FC: Matt Lampson; Jerome Thiesson, Francisco Calvo ©, Michael Boxall, Tyrone Mears (Marc Burch 83′); Ibson, Rasmus Schuller, Ethan Finlay, Sam Nicholson; Miguel Ibarra (Brent Kallman 90+4′), Christian Ramirez (Mason Toye 82′)
Subs not used: Bobby Shuttleworth, Collin Martin, Harrison Heath, Collen Warner
Shots: 11; Shots On-Goal: 5; Fouls: 8; Saves: 4; Offsides: 1; Corners: 5.
