Fire news 8/6/12

Best article about the Fire in a long time. Of course, it is in the Guardian, local newspaper reporters can't, well, report.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/...tle-sounders-los-angeles-galaxy-eddie-johnson
(Fifth article down)
The Fire gets stronger

Chicago aren't messing about this year. With two Designated Players, Alvaro Fernandez and Sherjill MacDonald arriving this week from Seattle and Germinal Beerschot respectively, they've sent out a message of intent to the rest of the league. This season they mean business.

Their tough mentality surfaced once again on Saturday night, as they downed Toronto 2-1 despite trailing 1-0 at the break. A poor defensive error from the Fire let Ryan Johnson in to open the scoring. Marco Pappa's pass to center back Austin Berry had inadvertently sent Johnson in to slot home. But both Pappa and Berry redeemed themselves for that mishap, scoring a goal each in the second half to snatch all three points for Frank Klopas' men.

That defensive error isn't characteristic of Chicago's defending this term. They've been sublime at the back all year, as they've not conceded more than two goals in any game - boasting the third best defensive record in the East by conceding just 25 in 22 games. The biggest reasons for the huge improvement at the back – Chicago had the sixth worst defense in 2011, leaking 45 goals – is down to the form of central defenders Arne Friedrich and Austin Berry. The duo come from completely different soccer backgrounds. Friedrich is a 33-year-old former German International who was capped 82 times for his nation, while Berry is in his rookie season, after anchoring the hugely successful Louisville Cardinals back line throughout college.

The latter was not an automatic starter at the beginning of the season but his no-nonsense displays, coupled with his composure on the ball and his threat from set pieces, saw Berry cement his place firmly in the starting lineup. The German and American dovetail superbly, with Berry winning balls in the air and taking first knock, while Friedrich sweeps up behind.

But their solid defense isn't the only reason Chicago fans have room for optimism. The key signing of Fernandez from Seattle could well propel them to a deep playoff run. Flaco impressed in his debut early on, as he almost turned provider with a delicate header that set Chris Rolfe free, but Rolfe finished tamely. Fernandez's creative spark will unlock many defenses and the Fire's possession style of soccer suits him down to the ground. It could be the best trade of the year if the Uruguayan settles quickly and shows anywhere near the form he displayed in Seattle last term.

And the addition of forward Sherjill MacDonald as a DP will enhance the Fire's attacking options further. The Dutchman's brute strength and direct style of play certainly made a huge impact after he came on at half time on Saturday. He had four shots, held the ball up magnificently and generally tormented Toronto's defense. With a solid back line, MacDonald and Fernandez can give Chicago that something extra to continue their march up the Eastern conference. Chicago's next two games come against struggling Philadelphia and New England, providing the perfect opportunity to close the five point gap between themselves and Houston at the top of the table. JPW

 

Exclusive HTIOT Conversation with Javier Leon: Part 1
http://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/201...ve-htiot-conversation-with-javier-leon-part-1

 

might deserve its own thread