Derby County scores during each half to end defensive streaks for Fire U-15/16

By Curt Herron

All impressive streaks must come to an end at some point as the Chicago Fire Academy's U-15/16 team found out Sunday.

After not allowing more than one goal in Great Lakes Division play, the Fire allowed two of them against Derby County.

And one of those scores came during the final half, marking the first time that has happened in 10 division matches.

The end to those two streaks spelled bad news for the Fire, who once again had their own troubles in finding the net.

Chicago got shut out for the sixth time as it lost 2-0 to the Wolves on a cold and wet afternoon in Livonia, Michigan.

As a result of the defeat, the Fire dropped to 4-3-3 with 15 points after missing out on their first six-point weekend.

Derby County (5-2-5, 20 points) moved into second place in the division while the Fire dropped to 4-3-3 with 15 points.

The hosts got a score late in the first half to establish control and then collected the back-breaker after the break.

After playing 385 minutes without allowing a score in the second half, the Fire saw their lengthy streak finally halted.

Chicago had only given up one previous goal in the run of play, and that had happened during its second division match.

This was the second time this season that the Wolves had blanked the Fire, with the first resulting in a scoreless draw.

While the rain let up considerably from the earlier U-17/18 match, the Fire still faced a strong wind in the first half.

They nearly got out of that half even but Andre Morris got free and connected on a short attempt during the 39th minute.

Right after the break, Ruben Chavez looked like he was tackled in the box, but no penalty kick was rewarded to the Fire.

After Jesus Medina was stopped by keeper Robbie Beckwell, the Fire went nearly 15 minutes before their next good chance.

That's when Joel Salmeron sent a corner kick to Manny Chavez, who headed the ball to Drew Conner, whose shot went wide.

The Wolves got an insurance goal in the 65th minute when Ali Cheaib scored on a short try past keeper Christian Lomeli.

Chicago had a good chance nearly 10 minutes later but Conner's header went just wide following a corner from Salmeron.

The Fire returns to division play this weekend for a pair of home matches with Sockers FC and FC Milwaukee at Toyota Park's practice field.

Both matches have been rescheduled from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. starts, and the U-17/18 will compete right before them in 2:00 p.m. contests.