WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Chicago Fire struck first, but ultimately fell 3-1 against Eastern Conference leaders D.C. United on Wednesday at RFK Stadium.
Despite missing the services of Designated Player Shaun Maloney due to his national team call-up, the Fire put pressure on their hosts with a 1-0 lead at the half thanks to fellow DP David Accam. However, D.C. United bounced back with three second-half goals to give Chicago their first intra-conference loss of the season.
Match Highlights | Match Photos | Postmatch Quotes
The Fire had the better early chances to pull ahead, starting with a 20th-minute shot from Accam. Matt Polster found his teammate open and then watched the winger burst past his mark to slide a shot toward the far post. Unfortunately for Accam and the Fire, the shot took a deflection and trickled inches wide.
Chicago had a golden chance to move ahead seven minutes later after Jeff Larentowicz went to the penalty spot. D.C. United defender Steven Birnbuam conceded the penalty after handling a deflected cross from Harry Shipp. Larentowicz targeted the left corner, but goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra made a diving stop to keep the sides level.
The stalemate didn’t last long after Accam scored his third goal of the season in the 28th minute. Quincy Amarikwa took a pass from Shipp on the left wing then swung a cross to the Ghanaian speedster on the run near the 6-yard box. Accam met the ball in stride and pounded it past Dykstra to give Chicago a temporary 1-0 lead.
Match Stats and OPTA Chalkboard
After the break, D.C. United roared back with a trio of goals. The first two came off the foot of Jairo Arrieta. The Costa Rican striker headed home a corner kick from Fabian Espindola for his first goal and then cleaned up a deflected pass from inside the box for his second.
Conor Doyle capped the scoring with a back-post run and finish in the 75th minute. Espindola played a teasing ball across the box that found Doyle available at the other end. Fire goalkeeper Jon Busch nearly knocked the chipped shot over the crossbar, but was unable prevent the ball from crossing the line.
In earning the win, D.C. United established a club record by extending its home unbeaten streak to 20 matches.
The Men in Red return to action on Saturday, June 6 against Orlando City SC at Toyota Park. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. CT on Comcast SportsNet Chicago.
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MLS Regular Season
Chicago Fire (4-6-2, 14 pts.) 1:3 D.C. United (8-3-4, 28 pts.)
June 3, 2015 – RFK Stadium
Attendance: 11,218
Scoring Summary:
CHI – David Accam (Quincy Amarikwa, Harry Shipp) 28
DC – Jairo Arrieta (Fabian Espindola) 61
DC – Jairo Arrieta (unassisted) 69
DC – Conor Doyle (Fabian Espindola, Nick DeLeon) 75
Misconduct Summary:
CHI – Joevin Jones (caution) 24
DC – Markus Halsti (caution) 30
DC – Fabian Espindola (caution) 57
CHI – Matt Polster (caution) 58
Chicago Fire: Jon Busch, Lovel Palmer, Jeff Larentowicz, Eric Gehrig, Joevin Jones, Michael Stephens (Razvan Cocis 62), Matt Polster, Matt Watson (Kennedy Igboananike 70), David Accam (Guly do Prado 77), Harry Shipp, Quincy Amarikwa.
Shots: 10; Shots On Goal: 7; Saves: 4; Fouls: 8; Corner Kicks: 5; Offsides: 4.
D.C. United: Andrew Dykstra, Sean Franklin, Bobby Boswell, Kofi Opare, Steve Birnbaum, Nick DeLeon (Facundo Coria 85), Marcus Halsti, Perry Kitchen, Miguel Aguilar (Fabian Espindola 46), Jairo Arrieta (Davy Arnaud 73), Conor Doyle.
Shots: 17; Shots On Goal: 7; Saves: 6; Fouls: 15; Corner Kicks: 10; Offsides: 3.
