LOS ANGELES (May 4, 2019) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club concluded its three-game road trip with a 0-0 draw against Los Angeles FC at Banc of California Stadium on Saturday night. With the result, the Fire are the first team to earn a point at Banc of California Stadium and the first team to hold LAFC scoreless at home this season. Additionally, the 0-0 draw marked the Men in Red’s second clean sheet in 2019.
Saturday’s match was the second all-time meeting between the Fire and LAFC. The Fire are unbeaten in both of its league matches played against the Western Conference club, previously recording a 3-1 home win on Sept. 29, 2018.
The Fire’s first chance of the game came in the 17th minute of play when midfielder Dax McCarty reacted to a short clearance and fired a volley from distance, forcing a strong save from goalkeeper Tyler Miller.
In the second half, the Fire nearly took the lead in the 55th minute of play when midfielder Aleksandar Katai drove the ball across the face of the goal for forward Nemanja Nikolić, who was unable to convert from close range.
Shortly after Nikolić’s chance, the Fire won the ball in a dangerous area and ventured forward on a counter attack led by Katai in the 60th minute. Following a deep run by the midfielder, the ball found its way out wide to midfielder CJ Sapong, who struck a first-time effort that was deflected wide.
Next up, the Fire will return to SeatGeek Stadium for a midweek contest against the New England Revolution on Wednesday, May 8. Beginning at 7:00 p.m. CT, the match will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and transmitted locally on Univision Radio 93.5 Latino Mix.
Notes:
- With the 0-0 result, the Fire became the first team to earn a point at Banc of California Stadium and the first team to keep LAFC scoreless at home in 2019. The Fire are 1-0-1 (W-L-D) all-time against LAFC.
- Saturday’s match marked the Men in Red’s second clean sheet of the season.
- Goalkeeper David Ousted notched the 44th clean sheet of his MLS career.
- Recently acquired defender Francisco Calvo made his debut for the Chicago Fire, playing the final 11 minutes of the match.
Chicago Fire 0:0 Los Angeles FC
Scoring Summary:
None
Misconduct Summary:
LAFC – Beitashour (Caution) 25’
CHI – Corrales (Caution) 25’
CHI – Schweinsteiger (Caution) 41’
CHI – Frankowski (Caution) 88’
Chicago Fire: GK Ousted, D Frankowski, D Kappelhof, D Schweinsteiger, D Corrales, M McCarty ©, M Mihailović, M Sapong, M Gaitán (Adams 83’), M Katai (Calvo 79’), F Nikolić (Bronico 69’)
Subs not used: Sánchez, Gutjahr, Campos, Herbers
Shots: 9 Shots on goal: 1 Fouls Committed: 15 Fouls Suffered: 8 Offsides: 0 Corners: 3
Los Angeles FC: GK Miller, D Beitashour (Diomande 75’), D Zimmerman, D Segura, D Harvey (El Munir 85’), M Blessing, M Atuesta, M Kaye, F Vela, F Ramirez (Nguyen 64’), F Rossi
Subs not used: Sisniega, Jakovic, Horta, Perez
Shots: 22 Shots on goal: 5 Fouls Committed: 8 Fouls Suffered: 15 Offsides: 4 Corners: 7
Referee: Fotis Bazakos
Assistant Referees: Brian Poeschel, Chris Wattam
Fourth Official: Alejandro Mariscal
VAR: Kevin Stott
Attendance: 22,154
