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Fire continue home dominance of Wizards

Apr 22, 2007 - 4:16 AM BRIDGEVIEW, Illinois (Ticker) -- Chicago is the last place the Kansas City Wizards want to visit.

Chris Rolfe had a goal and an assist and the Chicago Fire extended their home mastery of the Wizards with a 2-1 victory.

The Fire (2-0-1) improved to 12-1-1 all-time at home against Kansas City, which posted its last road victory against the Fire on August 10, 2005.

"I am very pleased with the effort tonight," Chicago coach Dave Sarachan said. "I am also excited that we are 2-0 are home this year. You are supposed to win at home but it doesn't always work out that way."

The Wizards (1-1) were on the verge of being shut out for the third straight time at Toyota Park until newly signed Carlos Marinelli scored on a penalty kick in the 90th minute.

Rolfe's goal, his second of the season, also came on a penalty kick in the 73rd minute.

After Ivan Guerrero was fouled by Nick Garcia inside the penalty area, Rolfe hooked a shot into the left corner past Wizards goalkeeper Kevin Hartman for what proved to be the deciding goal.

"We made the decision on the field who would take the kick," Rolfe said. "I am not the designated guy like we had last season. It turned out to be a big goal since is was the game-winner."

"Not much I could do there, he just kind of faked one way and went the other," Hartman said.

Chad Barrett opened the scoring in the 36th minute to give Chicago a 1-0 lead at halftime. Barrett split the defense and sent a shot inside the right post. Chris Armas and Rolfe assisted on the goal.

"Chris Rolfe made a great pass to me, but the defender was catching up," Barrett said. "I was able to push off of him a small bit to get my balance and shoot it in the right side."

Marinelli was making his MLS debut, although he did see action in the U.S. Open Cup play-in game on Wednesday against Real Salt Lake.

"It is great to score in your debut game," Marinelli said through an interpreter. "That is something you dream of and all the players were very supportive after I scored."

Chicago dominated the match throughout, firing eight shots on goal to three for Kansas City. Matt Pickens made two saves for the Fire.

"They are very active up front," Hartman said of the Fire. "I think Chris Rolfe will be one of the best forwards in the league."