Fire U-15/16 comes alive after break, scores twice to snap Sockers FC's shutout streak

By Curt Herron

Something definitely clicked for the Fire Academy U-15/16 team during the final half of Saturday's match with Sockers FC.

On the heels of a first half featuring few chances, the Fire suddenly were all over the Sockers FC goal after the break.

And Chicago managed to connect twice during the final 40 minutes of play, which was significant for a variety of reasons.

First of all, it led to a 2-0 win at Toyota Park's practice field over a team that was 4-0-4 in Great Lakes Division play.

Sockers FC had performed just as well as the Fire defensively this year, entering the match with seven straight shutouts.

The Fire's second-half outburst was something has eluded the squad during a season where scoring have been at a premium.

It marked only the second time that they had scored twice in a half in division play and just their third two-goal match.

And the victory came at a perfect time for the Fire (5-3-3, 18 points), who were coming off a 2-0 loss at Derby County.

Chicago faces FC Milwaukee this afternoon in Bridgeview as it hopes to begin a run that will result in a playoff berth.

There's little doubt that if they can match the intensity they showed after the break, they'll be in a spot to do that.

Joel Salmeron connected off of an assist from Ruben Chavez in the 58th minute to snap Sockers FC's long shutout streak.

Then as time was winding down, Elliot Borge found Francisco Sajuan for another score to cap the second-half performance.

Sajuan also made the first pass on the initial goal while Chavez got things started in the buildup to the final score.

"How we played in the last half was good but it would feel a lot better if we played all 80 minutes like that," said Sajuan, who entered just before the first goal.

"They hadn't lost a division game, so beating them was a good win for us. I know that I have to be ready for anything, whether I'm starting or coming off the bench."

The second half tone was set early on, beginning with a pass from Chavez to Drew Conner, who sent a shot wide of the net.

Shortly after that, Louis Bennett was stopped on a free kick and a short attempt surrounding a denied liner from Conner.

Not long after coach Larry Sunderland brought Sajuan in for Jesus Medina, the newcomer helped set up the initial goal.

Sajuan sent a pass from the side to Chavez, who then directed the ball to Salmeron, who put in a try from close range.

Not long after Chavez was stopped on an attempt, he sent a pass to Borge, who found Sajuan in front for a second goal.

Sockers FC tried to snap keeper Christian Lomeli's shutout bid in late stages after it put together its best chance.

Andrew Chang sent in a free kick that was eventually headed toward Lomeli, who deflected it away, leading to a corner.

On the third straight corner kick try, Xavier Gomez's line drive was punched away by the Fire keeper to wrap things up.

The Fire posted their eight shutout, thanks to defenders Cody Witkowski, Charlie Oliver, Benjamin Kucera and Bennett.

There wasn't much first half drama other than an early free kick to Lomeli and a shot by Borge just before the break.

"We tend to be more of a second half team and seem to get a little boost at halftime," Borge said. "Those were two of the nicer goals we've scored, so it was good to see that.

"Sockers is a good side and it was a good battle the last time we faced them. We had a few guys who came in who made a difference. We knew that this was a big weekend for us."