U-18 Fire allows late scores against Texas SC DTH

Need to win two matches to have chance at advancing

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By Curt Herron

BROWNS SUMMIT, NORTH CAROLINA---Every sign seemed to be pointing toward a successful start of the Development Academy playoffs for the Chicago Fires's U-18 team.

After weathering a rough start, the Fire grabbed a 1-0 lead over Texas SC DTH and added a score in the 80th minute of Saturday's match at Greensboro's Bryan Park.

But the wheels fell off the wagon for 16th-seed Chicago during the final few minutes as it watched in dismay as the 21st-seeded Texans rallied with two late scores.

So instead of opening the competition with a victory, the Fire settled for a disappointing 2-2 draw with Texas SC DTH and now must respond with a pair of victories.

They'll have to defeat FC Westchester at 3 p.m. on Sunday and then the Baltimore Bays Chelsea on Tuesday at 9 a.m. if they hope to advance to the Academy finals.

The Fire (15-7-5) appeared to be in a great position after they took a 2-0 advantage over Texas SC DTH (13-6-7) heading into the late stages of the match.

A great story line was developing for the Fire, thanks to the return of Bryan Ciesiulka, who hadn't played since suffering a serious knee injury on April 17.

Ciesiulka gave the Fire a 2-0 lead when he headed in a shot from close range, following a header from Jesse Ortiz that was set up by a pass from Patrick Doody.

But the celebration was short-lived as Anderson McDaniel gave the Texans new hope in the 84th minute when he connected on a nice free kick to make it a 2-1 score.

Texas SC DTH kept the pressure up against the Fire in the late going and got the equalizer during the 90th minute when Juan Castillo was able to find the net.

Chicago had to also weather several early attempts from Texas SC DTH during the early part of the match but keeper Tom Serratore came up with some nice saves.

The Fire had a few early chances as well, with Harry Shipp , Doody and Tyler Engel all getting stopped on close-range attempts during one sequence.

They finally connected during the 24th minute when Chris Prince put a shot into the opposite side of the net, following a pass from Trevor Wheeler.

Following the break, the Fire kept up the pressure with Brian Lunar, Doody, Shipp and Prince all having attempts halted by goalkeeper Jonathan Leon.

Shortly after Oliver Mayer had a liner deflected by a defender, Ciesiluka connected to cap his return to the field and give his team a two-goal lead.