Blanco's Late Goal Earns Fire a Point

By Todd McClamroch in News on Mar 31, 2008 3:01PM

The Chicago Fire earned a point on the road thanks to an injury-time blast from Cuauhtemoc Blanco in a 1-1 game against Real Salt Lake. With time winding, down Fire substitute Calen Carr sprinted down the far sideline and crossed a ball into the box that was deflected directly to Blanco, who brilliantly connected with the ball bending it around goalkeeper Nick Rimando.

The injury-time goal erased the Real Salt Lake advantage that was earned when Fire defender Bakary Soumare inadvertently deflected a cross from Real Salt Lake's Dema Kovalenko into the goal in the 71st minute.

Chicagoist was thrilled to see Blanco finish the late opportunity. Many of Blanco's critics have pointed out that his production falls off as he tires, but the fact that he was in the right place late in the game and able to finish so perfectly is a great sign for the Fire. The late goal prevented Real Salt Lake from achieving their first opening day win and gives the Fire their first point of the year.

The Fire return to Toyota Park to take on the New England Revolution on Thursday. The Revolution come in off a 3-0 victory over Houston in a rematch of the 2007 MLS Cup Final.