We Live to Fight Another Day

Whether it was Chicago's season being over or KC's do-or-die attitude needed tonight, KC pulled out a dominating performance in Chicago and defeated the Fire 2-0 on goals by Davy Arnaud and Teal Bunbury. KC came out and pushed the game from the beginning keeping Chicago on their heels as Bunbury took a shot from distance less than a minute into the game trying to surprise Andrew Dykstra. KC continued to take shots from distance, it seemed both out of design, and because, as for much of this season, KC had trouble getting into the box. It almost paid off for KC a few times on rebounds as Dykstra had trouble collecting some shots on the first opportunity. KC came close to grabbing the lead in the 8th minute when a cross from Kei Kamara was headed back across goal by Josh Wolff. His header was partially cleared to Craig Rocastle who hit it out of the air on the volley, but was denied by the post on what would have been an easy goal of the week candidate. Chicago's best opportunity of the first half came in the 15th minute when Freddie Ljungberg found Corben Bone at the top of the bog, but Bone hit his shot just wide of the post. In the 36th, Arnaud played in a nice ball behind the Fire defense for Bunbury, but Dykstra came up with a good save knocking the ball out for a corner. Just after first half stoppage time started, KC found the opener they were looking for. Kamara played a simple ball to Bunbury near the top of the box, Bunbury slotted the ball to Arnaud who was making a run down the left. Arnaud squared his body and fired a one time shot that curled beautifully around Dykstra and into the net giving KC the lead that they deserved heading into the half.

KC continued to pressure in the second half while Chicago looked content to head into the offseason. In the 58th KC could have doubled their lead as a shot by Bunbury took a deflection that wrong footed Dykstra and went onto the post. The ball bounced behind Dykstra and back into play but no Wizards played followed the shot, which was disappointing considering Dykstra had been dropping shots all night that was the perfect opportunity for a garbage goal. KC continued to control the game with Chicago getting a few flurries forward but not really testing Jimmy Nielsen in goal. In the 80th minute, KC put the game to rest as Wolff played in a great ball behind the defense to Bunbury, whose shot knuckled a bit and went past Dykstra who instead of making himself big like keepers should seemed to make himself smaller than he could have. Bunbury's finish moved him past his dad for goals for the Wizards. KC held off Chicago the last 10 minutes, although as I said it wasn't hard with Chicago not putting up much of a fight. KC now goes to Boston to take on New England and try and pull out another win.

Wizards Man of the Match - Teal Bunbury - A goal and an assist for the rookie, a strong performance to keep the Wizards playoff hopes alive, he had a few good chances and if not for good saves by Dykstra or the post could have had more goals.

Honorable Mention Davy Arnaud, Josh Wolff

Player Ratings - Nielsen 5, Harrington 6, Conrad 6, Besler 6, Espinoza 6, Arnaud 7, Rocastle 6, Auvray 6, Kamara 5, Bunbury 7, Wolff 7. Subs Jewsbury 5, Myers NR, Zusi NR.