Chicago Fire vs. Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago

Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago

Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
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Chicago Fire vs Manchester United at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Photo: Emily Rawdon

07/23/2011

There was never any hope that the Chicago Fire would beat Manchester United, one of the best teams in the world. On a pre-season tour of the United States, the Red Devils had already defeated two other Major League Soccer sides, Seattle Sounders and New England Revolution, by scores of 7-0 and 4-0, respectively. And in the end, the English Premier League champions and UEFA Champions League runners-up dealt the Fire a 3-1 loss before a sell-out crowd at Soldier Field. Even so, no one, not even the Fire fans in attendance, left disappointed.

The game, organized as part of the Herbalife World Football Challenge exhibition series, was the Fire’s first game at Soldier Field since October 2005, and it wasn’t exactly a home-team crowd that greeted them. There were quite a few more Manchester United jerseys in the crowd than Fire shirts, and the superstars like Wayne Rooney drew the largest roars from the crowd. Quite a few other teams were represented as well, including Manchester’s Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal, and other European clubs. Many in the crowd, it seemed, were there simply for the spectacle of world-class soccer in Chicago, giving the game an upbeat, carnival atmosphere.

It was the Fire who struck first though, when Cory Gibbs scored in the 13th minute, heading in a pinpoint free-kick taken by Marco Pappa, sending the Fire fans into surprised hysterics. The Fire would take that lead all the way to half-time, ensuring a bit of bragging rights as the only MLS team to score against United during the tour. After the half, though, it would prove to be short-lived.

The second half saw both teams make large changes, including the appearance of Manchester United stars Rooney, Ji-Sung Park, Nani, and Ryan Giggs. It didn’t take long for them to show their class. In the 66th minute, Rio Ferdinand sent a ball over the top to a charging Wayne Rooney, who scored a clever chipped goal over second-half sub ‘keeper John Conway. Another goal followed as Rafael da Silva scored from an impossible angle after slipping in behind the Fire defense, and Nani’s own brilliant effort sealed the game for Manchester United in the 82nd minute.

In the end, it was precisely the spectacle it was supposed to be for all involved. Fans of Manchester United saw thrilling goals from their star players, those there just for the show were not disappointed, and the Fire left with heads held high following a noble loss to a superior opponent. And while the stadium erupted for each United goal, Fire ownership will be hoping the non-stop beating of drums and chanting from Chicago’s supporters section will still be ringing in the ears of a few of the locals not yet converted to Fire fans.

Comments

I wouldn't become a "Fire" fan if you paid me. We sat behind the Fire section and had beer, insults and hurled at us as soon as Man Utd equalized. We are from Illinois and came to Chicago to watch the game, but were not made to feel welcome despite NOT being fans of either team. We came to support soccer. But the drunken idiots in front of us spoiled that.

By Mike (not verified) on 7/25/2011 at 7:35 am

First off saying there was no hope is complete inaccurate. Until the 66th minute the Fire was holding their own. It wasn't until we replaced our starting goalkeeper then Man Utd went with their 1st lineup did they turn the tide. We will never know what the outcome would have been if Johnson remained. Also new england did manage to score a goal against Man Utd. As for Mike, were you in section 121-126? That would be the Fire supporters section. Now there were vocal exchanges between plastic Man Utd fans and the Fire supporters. Did you know for certain it was aimed at you and not the idiots above you? As for the beer I know it was coming from the upper decks by plastic Man Utd fans. Fire supporters drink their beer, we don't throw it.

By El Guapo (not verified) on 7/25/2011 at 12:53 pm

Mike you shouldn't let that experience sour you. Of course, if you are from Illinois and haven't been out to a FIRE game until this one, but claim to be a soccer fan, perhaps those insults, beer, etc. are deserved. Support your LOCAL team!!

By HoBo (not verified) on 7/25/2011 at 12:57 pm

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