So, the Fire are back inaction (yes, this is intentional), returning from the International break (why does MLS always screw up international breaks, starting and ending them too early)? It is the the final match in Cowlumbus' stadium. The first SSS, but a stadium that was so shitty (being in Columbus, Ohio) that it actually attempted to commit stadiumcide a couple of years back. Probably the best "Fire" performance in Columbus in many years. As to the game: Apparently, Columbus are reigning MLS "champs" having won the 2020 MLS Cup (I honestly had no idea they won it, which speaks volumes about my interest in MLS with the Fire sucking so much for so long now). The Fire are sparkling 1-1-5 (WDL) for an amazing .74 ppg Crew are not that much better at 3-2-2, although Columbus has been playing well of late. Columbus do not even have three times the point total of the Fire, the slackers! (New England has more than 4 times the Fire total, 17 points to 4). Columbus are undefeated at home. The Fire are, of course, winless on the road (some things never change). With Gaston Gimenez in South America for Copa America, perhaps the Fire have a chance. Gimenez has failed to even make the bench for Paraguay. Perhaps, the Fire should try that upon his return. Frankowski played in game 1 for Poland in Euro 2021, err 2020. I presume Calvo is back prior to the the Gold Cup. The 60 man (yes, 60!) provisional US squad for the Gold Cup and NO Fire players. Yes, the Fire do not have a single American player worthy of inclusion in a 60 man (well, mostly, youth) squad. I am looking forward to hear Arlo White on the call, but ESPN+ will probably provide the Cowlumbus feed. He may not know all of the players yet, but neither do most of us, sadly.
Where's the "Red Stars game" option? Also, I expect the Fire to win 4-0. There is no reason to this prediction. There is no evidence to back me up. The Fire lose the games they should win and then show up against teams they shouldn't beat. This is the last game at Firehouse East, let's send it off the way we should.
We have to win on the road at some point, and I see no reason it couldn't be today. Fire 2-1. BTW, there's almost too much soccer to watch at the moment. I'll probably have to skip one of the Euro games today.
Crap, ESPN+ is showing the awful Columbus stream. No Arlo White for me I try to go to the Fire website to stream, but it is not working with the VPN The Crew announcers are Neil Sika Jordan Angeli Not Danhole Kelly obnoxious, more like high school/college quality.
Beric on the bench Stojanovic on the bench Kappelhoff on the bench Bornstein on the bench This is one of the worst line-ups I have ever seen substitutions tonight are goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, defender Jhon Espinoza, defender Wyatt Omsberg, defender Jonathan Bornstein, defender Johan Kappelhof, midfielder Luka Stojanović, midfielder Elliot Collier, midfielder Alex Monis, and forward Robert Berić.
The Crew announcers are foul, but red carding them would be a bit much. Oh, wait, you mean to foul on the field. Sorry.
I have been trying not to listen to them. Actually, I was putting a pizza in the oven. I may back it up at half time. In what minute did it happen?
“Did you know the Fire have started nine goalies in league play since trading Sean Johnson?” Did you know the Fire have started nine goalies in league play since trading Sean Johnson?— Brian Sandalow (@BrianSandalow) June 20, 2021