BRIDGEVIEW, IL (August 8, 2010) - Despite out-shooting the Fire 22-5 and 16-2 in the second half, the New York Red Bulls played Chicago to a 0-0 tie at TOYOTA Park in front of a stadium-record 21,868 spectators Sunday night. New Red Bulls midfielder Rafa Marquez made his club debut against the Fire, starting and playing 61 minutes, as second-place New York improved to 28 points off an 8-6-4 record.
The Red Bulls threatened goalkeeper Sean Johnson's net in the 19th minute. Forward Juan Pablo Angel was able to connect on a diving header from a Chris Albright cross, but it was stopped by Johnson. Johnson made another save two minutes later when Thierry Henry, who left the game in first half stoppage time due to a groin strain, had space to run at the defense and fired a left-footed shot at the goalkeeper. Soon after, Fire midfielder Marco Pappa had enough room to roll an attempt past the left post.
In the 40th minute, Red Bulls defender Roy Miller found Macoumba Kandji at the back post and the midfielder blasted an acute angle rocket that Johnson deflected away. Three minutes later, Fire forward Brian McBride slung a low cross to an open Freddie Ljungberg, but the Swede could not put his attempt on target.
In the second half, New York almost took the lead two minutes in. Marquez slid a cutting through ball to substitute Dane Richards, who took it in and zipped a low pass into to six yard box. However, a fully extended Kandji could not put it into the back of the net. Moments after, Kandji rose above his defender and headed a Joel Lindpere in-swinger wide. Kandji again had another chance in the air, this time from an Albright feed, but he nodded it just past the right post.
In the 68th minute, Angel nearly put the Red Bulls ahead, as he unleashed an 18-yard shot that Johnson dove to parry away. New York, which dominated possession in the second half, had a barrage of chances at the end of the match and Johnson, who recorded seven saves, was able to keep his clean sheet with several key stops. With one minute left in full time, Seth Stammler's drive from long distance was touched away by Johnson. Johnson was called again off the ensuing corner kick, tipping a Tim Ream volley over the crossbar, before Angel's flick goal-bound header on a separate play was blocked by the goalkeeper.