After failing to score in their previous two games, the Chicago Fire looked to the match against San Jose to regain the form that quickly made them an MLS Cup favorite and instill some confindence in the Fire fowards. After regulation however, it is difficult to see what it was that made Chicago an early season powerhouse, as once again the Chicago Fire frontline remained anonymous Saturday night.

Rookie Head Coach Denis Hameltt opted for a new lineup as he started Andy Herron and Tomasz Frankowski as his forwards, leaving Chad Barrett on the bench for the first time this season. Early in the first half the decision seemed to be working as both Frankowski and Herron were able to find the ball in their attacking third and put shots on net. In the 16th minute Herron tried a bicycle kick but was well covered and came down awkardly and remained on the ground. After a few nervous minutes Andy was able to walk off on his own. but was subbed out a few minutes later for Barrett.

Once in the game, Chad worked hard to create opportunites but at times the two forwards seemed to be on different pages which may be due to Frankowski's limited playing time this year. "We have no more excuses," Chad said when asked what he thinks is the problem with the Fire's scoring, "The passion was there, the skill wasn't."

Wilman Conde, starting his 3rd game of the year was quick to establish himself in the what could be the future of the Chicago defense with Bakary Soumare, Gonzalo Segares, and Brandon Prideaux all joining him on the backline. Throughout the game the entire defense was able to control the San Jose attacks with hard tackles and accurate distribution. Conde made some of the best passes of the evening, consistently finding the Fire forwards making runs behind the Earthquakes defense.

Despite the great service, the Fire were only able to manage 4 of their 12 shots on goal. Hamlett said he feels his forwards need to be capitalizing on the chances they are creating. "Our strikers that we have are getting themselves in good spots, and good looks, and if you're going to be critical they need to finish those plays." Denis said after the game.

The Fire had their biggest scare in the 53rd minute when a Ramiro Corrales' free kick chipped the wall and dipped down, ricocheted off the crossbar, and bounced out of bounds. Justin Mapp led the Fire in total shots with 3 and one almost found net when in the 71st minute a bad San Jose clearance landed at his feet just outside the 18-yard box. Mapp brought it under control and sent a hard, left footed shot at Earthquakes keeper Joe Cannon, who was lucky to get a hand to it and knock it over the bar. "It kind of came through a crowd and I picked it up last minute....I was fortunate to get a touch on it," said Cannon.

Chicago's next game is at home in Bridgeview against the Cleveland City-Stars in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup 3rd Round action.