Preseason Opener - Chicago Fire vs. UCF

The Fire handled business in their first preseason match yesterday against the University of Central Florida. The final score was 5-0, with Chicago dominating all three 30-minute segments. Brian McBride scored the first goal of the match and the game-winner in the 25th minute. Justin Mapp crossed a ball from the left corner of the field and McBride headed it home to get things started.

Stefen Dimitrov added two goals in the 31st and 51st minute of play. Richard Jata assisted on the third goal by placing a great thru ball to Dimitrov who chipped the keeper from approximately 30 yards out. Jata also had a scoring opportunity later on after being fouled just outside the box. His free kick attempt from 19 yards out was on target, but the UCF goalkeeper made a great effort to deny him of his first preseason goal.

The Fire finished strong with two goals late in the game from Michel Moungue(87th minute) and Idrissa Kone(89th minute).

The next game for Chicago will be against the Kansas City Wizards on February 4th at IMG Academy.

Here's the Chicago Fire Lineup and Scoring Summary:

1st 30' - GK-Nick Noble, D-Tim Ward, D-Bakary Soumare, D-CJ Brown, D-Gonzalo Segares, M-Mike Banner, M-Logan Pause M-Peter Lowry, M-Justin Mapp, F-Patrick Nyarko, F-Brian McBride.

2nd 30' - GK-Tyler Kettering, D-Tim Ward, D-Dasan Robinson, D-Bakary Soumare, D-Roland Paul Bebey Kingue, M-Mike Banner (Michel Moungue 45'), M-Baggio Husidic, M-Peter Lowry, M-Austin Washington, F-Richard Jata, F-Stefan Dimitrov.

3rd 30' - GK-Joe Nasco, D- Roland Paul Bebey Kingue, D-Igor Lozo, D-Dasan Robinson, D-Daniel Woolard, M-Michel Moungue, M-Baggio Husidic, M-Gerson dos Santos, M-Austin Washington, F- Robson Chavez Santana, F-Idrissa Kone.

Scoring Summary

(25') - Brian McBride - assisted by Justin Mapp
(31') - Stefan Dimitrov - unassisted
(51') - Stefan Dimitrov - assisted by Richard Jata
(87') - Michel Moungue - assisted by Roland Paul Bebey Kingue
(89') - Idrissa Kone - assisted by Dasan Robinson