Chicago Fire Premier News Release -- www.chicagofirepremier.com
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. - The Chicago Fire Premier powered past Forest City London 3-0 at Toyota Park on Tuesday evening to open the Premier Development League playoffs. The Fire were fueled by a goal from midfielder Calum Mallace and a brace from striker Paulo Vaz.
The entire match was under control from the start with the Fire creating chance after chance. The Fire were awarded a penalty kick in the 31st minute after Vaz was brought down in the box as he was in behind the FC London defense with only the keeper to beat. Vaz took the spot kick himself and placed the ball in the back of the net, however the goal was called back due to early movement from the remaining Fire players. On the second try, Vaz struck the post and the ball was sent out of play. Fortunately, only six minutes later, Vaz himself opened the scoring by placing a low, hard shot to the far post from deep down the right side of the London penalty area.
In the second stanza, Callum Mallace called his own number in the 51st mnute and launched a 35-yard shot on goal. FC London keeper Oloruntoba Bolaji was in position to save the shot, but couldn’t find the handle on the ball. Mallace’s shot went through the keeper’s hands and trickled into the net for the Fire’s second goal of the match.
In the 69th minute, it was Vaz again who netted for the Fire. On a well timed run, Vaz received a pinpoint 30-yard pass from defender Hunter Gorskie. As London keeper Bolaji rushed to meet the ball, Vaz camly lifted the ball over Bolaji and into the back of the net for his second goal of the match.
The 3-0 victory over FC London books the Fire’s ticket to the Central Conference Final Four in Pontiac, MI on July 29-31. The Fire will face Heartland Division title winner Thunder Bay Chill. The conference semifinal match is set for Friday evening at 5:30 pm ET.