Caban's late score gives Fire 1-1 draw with Vardar

U-16 defeats Derby County in practice field debut

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By Curt Herron

On the weekend where they kicked off action on their new practice field at Toyota Park, the U-16 Fire Academy team was hoping to sweep a pair of squads from Michigan.

After beating the Derby County Wolves 2-1 in Saturday's initial Academy match at the field, which is located north of the stadium, the Fire met up with Vardar on Sunday.

As play wound down, it looked like the Fire might have to settle for a weekend split, but a late score allowed them to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Vardar was whistled for a hand ball in the box during the final minutes, which allowed the Fire to receive a penalty kick.

David Caban took the PK, which was deflected away by Vardar's keeper, seemingly putting an end to the Fire's hopes.

But Caban alertly went after the rebound and knocked in the short attempt to tie the match shortly before the final whistle blew.

The Fire took the weekend off from play in the Central Conference's Frontier Division to meet two teams from the Great Lakes Division.

That allowed the coaching staff to go with some different players in order to try to find what combinations worked best.

But the Fire was definitely affected by the absence of midfielder Victor Pineda, who sat out the competition with an injury.

Without their talented playmaker on the field, the Fire struggled at times to get things going against Vardar.

Chicago had a few good opportunities during each half but looked like it might have nothing to show for it until Caban's late score.

Elliot Borge and Caban entered the match at the midway point of a scoreless match and things picked up right away for the hosts.

After Drew Conner got a shot on goal shortly after the break, Jesus Medina fired in a liner that bounced off of the crossbar.

About midway through the second half, Caban sent in a line drive that the keeper punched away.

Then right after that, Lalo Cuautle fired in another liner that was deflected away for a corner kick.

But just as it looked as if the Fire was about to connect, Vardar was able to move in front on a restart.

A long free kick started to bounce around in front of the Fire net and following a quick pass, the visitors had the first goal.

Fatai Alashe scored from close range around the 76th minute to give Vardar a 1-0 advantage.

Just prior to Caban's score, the Fire nearly connected when Borge sent a header toward the net that was deflected away.

There were fewer opportunities in the opening half with Vardar starting things right away with a bouncer to keeper Sam Euler.

Shortly after Jesus Medina was stopped on the Fire's first good try, Cuautle lined a free kick that was handled by the keeper.

Vardar had a pair of good chances around the midpoint of the first half but the Fire keeper came up with stops on the tries.

The Fire relied on Peter Beasley, Keaton Albert, Johnny Contreras and Cuautle to lead the defensive effort in Sunday's match.

In Saturday's win over Derby County, the visitors scored in the 17th minute but the Fire responded with a score in the 18th minute from Henok Russell.

After things were tied a 1-1 at the break, the Fire took the lead when Manny Rios found the net during the 65th minute.

Chicago hits the road next weekend for divisional matches against the St. Louis Scott Gallagher Missouri and Metro squads.