Saturday August 26 Toyota Park at 7:30 PM. The Rapids come into Toyota Park after playing 120 minutes on Wed night in an Open Cup loss to LA. While they 32 points, they're only 1- 6 - 2 in away games. I'm not sure if any of our players are suspended for caution points after last Sunday's game with NE. Assuming everyones available except obvious injuries the line up should go back to last Sunday's? Thorton (even tho Pickens helped his cause Wed) CJ - Sanneh - Dasani (or Segares?) Armas - Diego Nate - Mapp - Ivan Herron - Barrett Bench: Pickens, Gonzalo, Jimmaugh, Thiago, Plotkin, Carr, Rolfe?
The Rapids just (re)signed Alain Nkong, who's principal claim to fame is, that of his five goals last year, three of them came against the Fire. He should be available for Saturday night. What some might regard as a "timely" signing.
Of course, if memory serves, Chicas didn't have any wins away from the Toolbox until they tiptoed into TP and left with all 3 points. I no longer look at the opponent's away form to predict the FIRE's potential performance... I dunno. I recall that Nkong guy as being pretty quick, so I'm not sure what Sarachan will do. I'd like to see the same lineup as last Sunday's. As an aside, will Bedrossian be available for this match? Here's hoping the team can secure all three points.
Doubtful. "Bedrossian joined the Fire for training on Tuesday, but will be unavailable for selection for the "Men in Red" until his P-1 work visa is secured."
Hey all, Not so much news lately on the Barn Burner page with the Fire. So I'm here. Any tail gating going on with you? I'll be there early. Visiting the city for two nights. Fire game then USWNT the next day. Cheers.
The press release claimed Bedrossian as having dual French/US citizenship. If this is so why does he need any kind of visa? Also, why would he count as a SI?
Nothing organized as far as a big spread of food on a table, but people will be gathering in the un-paved lot that is immediately north of the stadium before the game for some beer and fun.
This radar map will automatically update, so the picture that you'll see in 2 hours is different than the one you see now.
Game guide is up on MLSnet.com. Jozef Batko is the ref tonight. Looks like he is a new ref, and has never done a match involving the Fire before. http://www.mlsnet.com/MLS/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20060825&content_id=70390&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp
combination of Nkong and Peterson on the attack will be VERY fast. I think I want both Dasan and Sega in back and SOMEBODY please keep them from going forward too much. ----------keeper?--------- --Dasan--Sanneh---Sega-- -------Armas--Ivan------ -Nate------Mapp---Plotkin ------Rolfe-----Herron---- I know you'll all have heartburn that neither CJ nor Jimmy is on the field. But I don't think either has the wheels to run with this tandem. Then agian - they NEVER go forward to assist the attack. Okay - I could also see: --CJ--Sanneh---Sega-- in the back. Of course, DS may give us: --Dasan--Jimmy---Griffin-- Who the F knows...
Strange that nobody has yet posted on the game. Fire won 1-0 on Dasan's first goal. Diego missed a penalty in the 87th minute. Anybody that can describe what happened in more detail for those of us unable to get to the game? Thanks in advance!
Some game comments: An uncharacteristic game for the 06 Fire, they took a 1-0 lead and actually kept up the offensive pressure. The officiating wasn't much of an issue. Herron as usual had an offsides and failed to convert on a couple of others. Guti, who won't be allowed to take another PK for a while, shanked one hard left at the 80' mark. Zack was solid and didn't get too much action. Barett made the most of his start. B+ performance by all. Atmosphere was great, 15K. Loud and fun.
I don't understand why our DM's are the ones who take penalties 90% of the time. Oh, and if Cannon would've saved it, it shouldn't have counted because he took a few steps off the line first. He ALWAYS does that.
Thornton did very well. His one-two save in the first half saved his defense some blushes and saved the team 3 points. Herron cannot finish, but does make good runs - I don't know if I wouldn't rather have a lazy forward who needs just one chance to score. Barrett impressed with his vision and distribution. The good Mapp showed up - he seemed to enjoy directing the game from the middle. For once, I couldn't argue with Sarachan's subs. Good game across the board; probably as good as I've seen the Fire play this year.
Overall, it was a good game, but just to be a bit critical: 1. While Thornton did have a good game, Sanneh cleaned up several messes in the first half. 2. Herron appears to be the only forward interested in making runs. Barrett played a nice attacking midfield position (missing Thiago?); but missed a few opportunities to make runs. He is a forward, right? He did hold the ball well, but besides Herron no one was moving off the ball to attack. 3. The Tribune pointed out that the forwards keep rotating, becuase the coach believe they have depth. I think he is still looking for the right combination. Before the playoffs, they need to have a bit more consistancy in their rotation so the midfield has an idea where to put the ball. (Herron and Barrett, with Jaqua coming in or Herron and Jaqua with Barrett coming in as a sub). 4. Mapp was good, not great in the middle. Very good in the first half, fair in the second. They needed two people who can distribute. He was definitely winded in the second half. 5. The fans were great. Nice crowd. It was nice getting a gap in the rain.