- All-MLS Final Eight Set for Just Second Time in Open Cup History
- Quarterfinals Kick-Off Wednesday, Aug. 23

CHICAGO, Ill. (August 15, 2006) – The long awaited finish to the Fourth Round of the 2006 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup concluded Monday night as the Chicago Fire eliminated the Kansas City Wizards, 2-0, at Toyota Park. With the Fire advancing to the final eight, an all-MLS quarterfinal field is set in place for only the second time since the league began participating in Open Cup play in 1996.

The Fire’s Calen Carr and Andy Herron each netted a goal, clinching a home fixture against the New England Revolution on August 23 at Toyota Park. In the 18th minute, Fire forward Nate Jaqua eluded a Wizard’s defender with a crafty nut-meg before slotting the ball across the box to an on-running Carr. With two close defenders and a diving goalkeeper, Carr placed his shot slightly below the cross bar for a 1-0 lead.

Having been dangerous all night, Herron finally struck a goal in the 65th minute with a low header of a Brian Plotkin cross. Nearly 10 yards away from goal, Herron stepped in front of his defender and connected on a low bouncing header that snuck inside the front post to beat Wizards goalkeeper Will Hesmer.

Down 2-0, the Wizards searched for answers with four different substitutes included forwards Josh Wolff and Eddie Johnson. Wizards’ coach Brian Bliss’ tactics nearly worked as Wolfe’s speed created a one-on-one breakaway with Fire goalkeeper Matt Pickens. Up to the task, Pickens remained upright and was able to kick-save Wolfe’s low attempt.

DC United, Houston Dynamo, and Los Angeles Galaxy join the Fire as Quarterfinal Round hosts. DC United will welcome the New York Red Bulls to RFK Stadium for a 7:30 p.m. ET kick-off. FC Dallas travels to Houston for an 8:00 p.m. CT start-time at Carl Lewis International Complex on the campus of the University of Houston. The final pairing includes the Colorado Rapids who will travel to The Home Depot Center Stadium for a 7:30 p.m. PT match vs. the defending champions L.A. Galaxy. U.S. Soccer will announce possible semifinal pairings on Wednesday, August 16th.

KANSAS CITY WIZARDS vs. CHICAGO FIRE GAME REPORT

Match-up: Kansas City Wizards vs. Chicago Fire
Competition: Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round
Venue: Toyota Park; Bridgeview, Ill.
Date: August 14, 2006; Kickoff – 7:30 p.m. CT
Attendance: 5,874
Weather: Clear – 75 degrees

Scoring Summary:
                           1   2   F
Chicago            1   1   2
Kansas City      0   0   0

CHI – Calen Carr (Chad Barrett) 18th minute.
CHI – Andy Herron (Brian Plotkin) 65t minute.

Lineups:
CHICAGO FIRE: 18-Matt Pickens; 5-Jim Curtin, 2-CJ Brown (11-Nate Jaque, 46), 4-Leo Griffen, 31-Floyd Franks (23-Ivan Guerrero 82), 3-Calen Carr, 28-Jared Montz, 12-Logan Pause, 16-Brian Plotkin, 26-Andy Herron, 9-Chad Barrett (10-Thiago, 68).
Head Coach: Dave Sarachan

KANSAS CITY WIZARDS: 18-Will Hesmer; 21-Lance Watson (7-Eddie Johnson 80), 16-Brian Roberts, 20-Tyson Wahl, 28-Stephen Shirley, 13-Will John, 35-Ryan McMahen (9-Sasha Victorine 74), 5-Kerry Zavagnin, 33-Sergei Raad (25-Matt Groenwald 69), 17-Yura Movsisyan (15-Josh Wolff 69), 29-Ryan Pore.
Head Coach: Brian Bliss

Statistical Summary:
CHI / K.C.
Shots: 11 / 6
Saves: 3 / 5
Corner Kicks: 4 / 6
Fouls: 11 / 15
Offside: 4 / 0

Misconduct Summary:
CHI -- Jared Montz (caution) 6
CHI -- Floyd Franks (caution) 34
KC -- Brian Roberts (caution) 48

Officials:
Referee: Marcel Yonan
AR1: Jose Gesundheit
AR2: Jamie Walters
4th Official: Abiodun Okulaja

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