Everton F.C. paid a visit to Toyota Park on Wednesday night for a friendly against the Chicago Fire. Fans were treated to English Premiership stars like Yakubu, and Phil Neville. Although, there are high expectations for this Everton F.C. squad, they didn’t have much to show as they lost two to zero.

Rookie Patrick Nyarko got the nod to start tonight for the Fire, and almost scored in the first minute with a header that went wide. 36 minutes later he took a shot that was nicely saved by U.S. National Team goalie, Tim Howard. Chris Rolfe provided the best excitement when he scored a goal after a nice pass from Gonzalo Segares.

The second half saw a whole different Fire team as coach Hamlett subbed in a new team. Everton F.C. had a few chances but in the 66th minute after an Andy Herron and Peter Lowry shot that was deflected by Tim Howard, the ball landed nicely to Tomasz Frankowski who scored. Frankowski has been struggling as of late but that goal should only help his confidence.

In the 84th minute, two fans jumped from the stands and ran around the field. They were clearly Everton F.C. fans because they displayed their scarves and waved them around proudly. The two fans ran across the entire and one of them even ran back to the other side. It felt like it took security an eternity to get out there and stop the two Everton F.C. supporters. Still, it was the most part of the game next to the Brian McBride that took place off the field.

Speaking of McBride, the ex-Fulham star officially joined the Chicago Fire, but was in Hong Kong with the U.S. Olympic team. In order for the Fire to get McBride they had to give up Chad Barrett, the first round pick in the 2009 MLS Super Draft, and conditional future considerations to Toronto F.C. They were holding all the cards in the deal, as they had the top allocation spot. During the teleconference McBride was happy to be finally home. “The Fire and my brother put a lot of work into this. I’m just happy to be home”/ With the Fire’s scoring troubles, and Barrett failing to live up to expectations, McBride has to be the answer to their scoring trouble. If he isn’t then the Fire gave up too much for an aging veteran.

Earlier in the week the Fire brought in some young talent on a loan. Marco Pappa, 20, comes to Chicago via CSD Municipal. He received his work visa just before the game, and was given the start in this match.

Just before the 90th minute when the referee indicated three minutes of stoppage time, all signs pointed to a good result, and good friendly match. In the end that wasn’t the case, and the game ended on a very flat note. James Vaughan had a vicious tackle on Fire defender Daniel Woolard which ended the game. Woolard remained on the ground for quite sometime and after the game, his injury status was unknown. After such a reckless foul during a friendly it should not only make Fire fans, but all soccer fans look down on the Everton Football Club.

 

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