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Fire ride Pause's goal to victory

Apr 8, 2007 - 6:08 AM BRIDGEVIEW, Illinois (Ticker) -- Perhaps it was appropriate that iron and irony would play a key role in one of the soccer's hottest rivalries.

Logan Pause scored the first goal of his five-year MLS career in the fourth minute as the Chicago Fire nailed down a 1-0 victory against the New England Revolution in the season opener for both teams.

The Fire and Revolution have met five times in the MLS Cup Playoffs - including each of the past two years - with New England taking both series.

However, Chicago has eliminated New England from the U.S. Open Cup in each of the past two seasons, including last year on their way to winning the Dewar Trophy for the fourth time.

"Obviously we have a big rivalry with them, but no matter when you play them - early, middle or late - in the season, three points is three points," Pause said.

In a game played in conditions as cold as the feelings each team has for the other, Pause's goal was the result of a deflection on Justin Mapp's shot on goal, which careened off the crossbar and in past goalkeeper Matt Reis.

"It's about time and it was overdue since I am starting my fifth season," Pause said. "I am glad to help us get our first win at home this season. I just got a little touch on it with the angle that I had, so it's nice that it got a piece of the post and went in."

He (Pause) puts so much into his play and he has had chances over the years and hasn't converted," Chicago coach Dave Sarachan said. "I am happy he got it on Opening Night and in a big game."

In the 52nd minute, New England forward Taylor Twellman's shot hit the crossbar in the same area of the same goal that Pause hit in the first half, but his shot bounced in the opposite direction that the game-winner did.

Fire captain Chris Armas left the field in the 20th minute after an elbow bloodied his cheek. The Fire had 10 men on the field while Armas was being attended to but held New England scoreless. He returned in the 24th minute.