Islanders fall 1-0 to Fire in scrimmage

The Chicago Fire defeated the Islanders 1-0 on Saturday in Puerto Rico’s first preseason game in Bradenton, Florida.

Fire’s forward Brian McBride scored the game’s only goal off a penalty kick in the 8th minute of the 1st half. McBride placed his shot low and to the right of the Islanders’ goalkeeper Bill Gaudette.

Early in the 2nd half both Islanders and Fire benches were emptied, with all bench players being substituted onto the field.

The Fire nearly doubled the lead in the 62nd minute but the goal was called back due to an offside call. The Islanders nearly tied up the game in the 75th minute but the goal was also called back due to an offside call.

At the end of regulation time neither team had had enough for the day, so they played a 3rd twenty minutes period which ended up scoreless.

The Islanders will play their next preseason game on Monday Feb 9th against the New York Red Bulls.

Category: 2009 Season, Chicago Fire, Friendlies, MLS Teams, Match Reports, Puerto Rico Islanders