Final Result: Chicago Fire at Galaxy

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

What’s that noise? Ah, the final whistle thankfully is here. This was one of those nights to stay home and watch synchronized diving or dressage rather than endure a game of over hit crosses, flubbed back passes and inaccurate shots.

John Thorrington of the Palos Verdes Peninsula saved the game from complete non-event status with a swerving shot from 19 yards served to him on a platter by Brian McBride to give the Fire a 1-0 win.

It was his fifth goal of the season and some will recall it was the former Manchester United youth player who ensured the Galaxy didn’t make the playoffs last year, scoring the winning goal for the Fire in the last game of the season.

Thorrington tried out for the Galaxy (and Chivas USA) after the Fire initially waived him before picking him up again so maybe he’s motivated or it’s all those friends and family in the crowd.

Take a bow, John (actually he did – two of them – in his goal celebration).

Apart from that there was little to recommend this game. It was one of those you want to keep Eurosnobs away from so they don’t rail against MLS.

It was as if, said a press box joker dryly, both teams had a player of two missing.

Yes, quite.

If Bruce Arena had any illusions about the enormity of the task facing him he surely didn’t after an ill-advised Sean Franklin back pass was missed by Greg Vanney in the 78th minute right in front of goal. Chris Rolfe pounced upon it, but didn’t make the Galaxy pay. Goalkeeper Steve Cronin appeared so amazed as Vanney shuffled off I don’t think he knew which defender to yell at.

For those keeping count at home, the Galaxy winless streak is now up to nine games.

Back with more later.

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email