The heat is on
Fire take 1-0 lead on Galaxy in Western Conference finals
Posted: Sunday October 11, 1998 01:48 AM
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Chicago's Chris Armas (left) attempts to take the ball from L.A.'s Paul Caligiuri AP |
PASADENA, California (AP) -- Jesse Marsch scored with four minutes to play Saturday night as the Chicago Fire beat the Los Angeles Galaxy 1-0 Saturday in the opening game of the MLS Western Conference finals at the Rose Bowl.
The Fire were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area after Steve Jolley fouled Chris Armas. Goalie Kevin Hartman made a save on Lubos Kubik's free kick, but the Galaxy defenders failed to respond and Marsch sprinted to collect the rebound, scoring on a 10-yard shot from the left side.
Los Angeles, which set an MLS record this season with 85 goals, had a chance to tie in the final minute, but Wellington Sanchez's shot sailed high.
Goalkeeper Zach Thornton made three saves for his second consecutive playoff shutout. Hartman made one save as the Galaxy outshot Chicago 11-5 and led 4-2 in shots on goal.
The second game of the best-of-3 series will be Friday night at Chicago.
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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