Oops! The Red Stars play Orlando Sunday, the Fire play DC Saturday. I'm attending both games and may sleep in with the raccoons at Toyota Park Saturday night.
These guys: 430 appearances for the Fire in all competitions. Current Fire field players have 281 appearances for the Fire in all competitions.
I took out all keeper appearances already. Adding SJ, Son of a Lamp, and the immortal Andrew Dykstra to the mix would give current Fire 461 appearances for the Fire and DC United 449 appearances for the Fire.
No, it indicates that we suck, Rodriguez has no clue about what he is doing, and Hauptman is an asshole.
DeLeeuw (if he actually comes here) needs to be better than Gilberto and score at least 6 goals after his arrival, not in 3 games or less. Thian (if he actually comes here) needs to be better than Cocis and notch at least 6 assists after his arrival, not in 3 matches. Both need to be fit enough to play in all matches for which they are eligible. Ramos needs to be bought, and Vincent needs to supplant Harrington in the starting 11. At least then we wouldn't have 8-10 roster questions for about the 5th year running.
Harrington lost the Oduro matchup. Nyarko should win that easily as well. So far, I'm not a fan of Harrington.
Since banner censorship seems to be in order at Toyota Park, I wonder if a campaign might be more fruitful by distant Fire fans at road games. Signs like "Free Sean Johnson" and "#Hauptmanout" might have Garber doing face palms.
No banners have been censored. They've asked fans to refrain from personal attacks, threats and violent imagery. ...seems reasonable. If somebody cant express their point on those terms it's likely they lack creativity and dont give a shit about supporting the team anyway.
I know that you are more in tune with the Fire FO than almost anyone else on these here BigSoccer boards, but your statement is a misrepresentation of the Chicago Fire's official position. I also do not agree with your statement and, certainly, not your conclusion. First, how do you know that "No banners have been censored" ? Have you been to each and every gate on each and every game and have proof that not a single banner has been confiscated, rejected, or otherwise censored? Also, hanging banners must be "approved" so the presumption is that they cannot be hung without approval. Second, "They" have not "asked" fans to "refrain from personal attacks, threats and violent imagery." They have mandated that banners not have political messages, and may not contain images, words or other information that is (or could be construed as being (emphasis mine)) derogatory, obscene, profane, indecent, vulgar, offensive, graphic, dangerous, inappropriate, objectionable or in “poor taste” -Yes, "poor taste" is grounds for banning a banner, whatever the hell "poor taste" is. Frankly, I would say churning out a crap team, year after year, dumping our best players with absolutely no suitable replacement, hiring a potato and then a coach with zero club coaching experience and hiring a GM who was instrumental in winding up Chivas USA is pretty bad and in poor taste, but if I put that on a banner, I would probably be accused of "poor taste". (By the way, I have not seen much in the way of "threats" or "violent imagery" in any banners over the years. As for personal attacks, that is a matter of degree, is it not? It would be incumbent upon the personnel stating that there can be no "personal attacks" to define what a personal attack is.) Here is the statement from the Chicago Fire's website: http://www.chicago-fire.com/matchday/tpbasics/atoz#4 Banners, Flags, and Signs Banners, flags, and signs (collectively, “Banners”) are permitted within the stadium provided they comply with the following requirements: All banners, flags, and signage will be inspected before entry to the stadium to ensure there are no safety concerns and compliance with the below requirements Banners must be event-related and may not be commercial or political in nature; Banners may not include advertisements, logos or political endorsements/slogans Banners may not contain images, words or other information that is (or could be construed as being) derogatory, obscene, profane, indecent, vulgar, offensive, graphic, dangerous, inappropriate, objectionable or in “poor taste” Banners may not interfere with the view or enjoyment of others Banners may not be attached to a pole or any other object that could cause harm to others Banners may not be constructed of wood, metal or any other material that could cause harm to others Banners may not be larger than 3 feet by 5 feet, if they are hung, or 3 feet by 3 feet, if they are held in hand, unless otherwise approved by stadium management Banners (or parts thereof) may not be used as projectiles Banners may be hung only with the permission of stadium management. If approved, Banners may be hung only with rope, string or plastic ties and may not block any existing signage or vent, or damage any stadium walls, paint, railings, glass, etc. Stadium Management reserves the right to remove and confiscate any banner at any time for any reason. (emphasis not mine) So, it is far from a "request," it is an official policy of the Chicago Fire to allow Management to confiscate any banner any time for any reason.