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Nyarko, Fire edge Chivas

Aug 3, 2008 - 4:45 AM BRIDGEVIEW, Illinois (Ticker) -- Patrick Nyarko netted a first-half goal and the Chicago Fire held on for a 1-0 triumph over Chivas USA on Saturday night.

Nyarko gave Chicago a 1-0 edge in the 16th minute when he took a pass from Chris Rolfe and fired a right-footed shot past Chivas goalkeeper Zach Thornton. It was Nyarko's first career MLS goal.

Justin Mapp sent a corner kick into play that was cleared by Chivas, the ball went back to Chicago's John Thorrington and he crossed it to Chris Rolfe, who kept the play alive and fed Nyarko.

Nyarko then fired a right-footed shot to the left of Chivas goalkeeper Zach Thornton, who made one save on the night.

"I got on in," said Nyarko, who also had a goal waved off because of an offsides. "The other one they called it an offside, but I took a look at the replay and I'm not positive it was the right call.

"The one I did make, I saw I found myself in right position just inside the box. It always feels good to get that first goal in. We got the win with that and that makes it twice as good."

The goal ended a 196-minute scoreless drought for Chicago.

Chicago goalkeeper Jon Busch made three saves, collecting his eighth shutout of the season and 34th career.

Busch has allowed 14 goals through 18 games, giving him the lowest goals-against average (0.78) during an MLS regular season in league history. Houston Dynamo's Pat Onstad currently holds the record with a 0.82 GAA in 2007.

"I think we played well again tonight," Busch said. "We talked about this before the game. Nobody's going to come in here and take points away from us. We did what it took."

Nyarko left the game early in the second half with a mild concussion following a collision with Chivas' Claudio Suarez.

"I just jumped and that's all I remember," Nyarko said. "When I opened my eyes everyone was all around me."

Suarez, who was carried off the field, was also diagnosed with a concussion and did not return.

Chicago is unbeaten in its last six (2-0-4), its longest streak of the season.

"Every win is important," Fire coach Denis Hamlett said. "We haven't been as good as we wanted to be. Tonight, we came out in an attack mode and it showed. The games are getting important."