BRIDGEVIEW, Illinois – The Montreal Impact fell to the Chicago Fire 2-1 on Saturday at Toyota Park.
The Fire opened the scoring in the 6th minute. Following a weak clearance by the Impact defence, midfielder Joel Lindpere fired a shot from just outside the box that deflected in front of goal and beat a helpless Troy Perkins.
Midfielder Dilly Duka doubled the home side's lead in the 23rd minute. Free dribbling for several yards passed several Impact defenders, Duka beat Perkins with a low shot to his left.
The Impact reduced the lead in the 57th minute. Midfielder Felipe scored his 4th of the season when he one-timed a shot from 25 yards out just two minutes after coming on as a sub.
In the loss, the Impact enjoyed the majority of the possession with 67%.
Following wins by Kansas City and Philadelphia, the Impact sits in fourth spot in the Eastern Conference.
Post-game comments
"The first half wasn't very good, but we did much better in the second half," said Impact head coach Marco Schällibaum. "We played a good team tonight and fought till the end. We aren't worried about the standings as there are a lot of games left to play."
"We started the game a little sluggishly and they managed to score quickly," said Troy Perkins. "We didn't play well enough to win, but we also missed on our scoring chances and we could have at least earned a point."
"We were very dangerous in the second half," said Justin Mapp. "We did well in terms of possession, but that doesn't guarantee goals scored or results."
Other highlights
The Impact earned its best chance of the first half in the 39th minute. Outnumbering the home side, Sanna Nyassi dribbled down the left flank before crossing one for Daniele Paponi. The Italian forward immediately played the ball for Justin Mapp. Alone in front of goal, his point blank shot was stopped by keeper Sean Johnson with his feet.
The Fire found a chance early in the second half. On a 2-vs-1, Juan Luis Anangono chose to fire a shot from 20 yards out that was stopped by Perkins, diving to his right.
In the 86th minute, Quincy Amarikwa fired a shot that deflected of Jeb Brovsly, but Perkins managed to push the ball over the bar.
Then in extra time, the Impact almost equalized when Matteo Ferrari's header was cleared off the goal line by Chris Rolfe following a corner kick.
Next games
Both teams will meet in an MLS Reserve League match, Sunday morning at Toyota Park.
The Impact will play its next game at Stade Saputo against D.C. United on Saturday, August 17, at 7pm (ET).
Lineups
MTL – GK-Troy Perkins; D-Jeb Brovsky, Alessandro Nesta, Matteo Ferrari, Hassoun Camara; M-Davy Arnaud (Marco Di Vaio 55’), Hernan Bernardello (Felipe 55’), Patrice Bernier; F-Sanna Nyassi (Andrés Romero 74’), Daniele Paponi, Justin Mapp
Subs not used: GK-Evan Bush; D- Wandrille Lefèvre; M-Blake Smith, Collen Warner
CHI – GK-Sean Johnson; D-Janil Anibaba, Austin Berry, Bakary Soumare, Gonzalo Segares; M-Dilly Duka (Chris Rolfe 71’), Logan Pause, Jeff Larentowicz, Joel Lindepre; F-Alex (Daniel Paladini 63’), Juan Luis Anangono (Quincy Amarikwa 76’)
Subs not used: GK-Paolo Tornaghi; D-Hunter Jumper, Wells Thompson, Michael Videira
Goals
CHI – Lindpere 6‘
CHI – Duka 23’
MTL – Felipe (Nyassi) 57’
Cautions
MTL – Paponi 80’
MTL – Ferrari 89’
