It was a big game for both the Chicago Fire and for FC Dallas. It was a game between two teams in opposite positions but a good result was needed for both teams. The Fire were at the bottom of the Eastern Conference table and are trying to make a playoff push while FC Dallas was riding a five game winning streak and were at the top of the Western Conference table while trying to stay in the mix of the Supporters' Shield race. 

Chicago off to a flying start

The game started out fast for Chicago when David Accam flew by Matt Hedges and got on the end of a pass from Jason Johnson in the 4th minute. Accam then calmly shot the ball through Dan Kennedy's legs and into the net. It was a perfect start for the Fire, who have struggled scoring the ball all season but additions like Johnson and Accam have helped as of late. Accam's pace has shown to be a problem for defenders all season, but there have been times when the Ghanaian hasn't had his shooting boots on. That was the only major action in the first half but in the second half things got crazier. 

Chicago continued to look for a second goal

It was a slow start to the second half, but Chicago came within inches of doubling their advantage in the 63rd minute when Johnson hit the post. Shaun Maloney had picked up the pieces off of a cleared corner, and clipped in a cross which Johnson got on the end of. Using the outside of his left boot, he looked to hook the ball inside the near post. It was inches away from sneaking in, but caromed back off the woodwork. In the 77th minute, the Fire again almost made it 2-0 when Razvan Cocis hit a missile to the upper corner which it was pushed away by Kennedy, who made a great save.

Hope for Dallas

However, things suddenly looked grim for the Fire as Matt Watson saw a straight red for a reckless challenge in the 79th minute. While pursuing a loose ball, Watson dove in studs first with both legs late and raised. He came over the ball, and seemed to leg lock his opponent. It was a obvious red card. It seemed to be a crushing blow for the Fire, who have struggled to keep leads in the second half all season. With FC Dallas' fire power on offense, it surely seemed that the Western Conference table toppers would find an equalizer.

They can't capitalize

But, once again, Accam made a play that sealed the game for Chicago. Accam raced into the box, and lost the ball in a good position. However, Kennedy Igboananike was right there and was tripped on the inside edge of the area, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Maloney stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to give the Fire a 2-0 lead. It would be a lead Chicago wouldn't give up as they earned a huge win over Dallas. 

This game had some impact on the standings in both conferences. For the Fire, it helped them jump up a spot in the standings and has put them in position to make a potential playoff run. They have games in hand and are now just five points out of sixth place. 

For Dallas, they are now 2nd in the Western Conference table as Vancouver jumped them with a win over Seattle. However, Dallas has a game in hand so they can still potentially be first in the table when all is said and done.