There have been a lot of threads around here lately about who should stay, and who could we trade for... Along the same lines - Who out there that is currently not with us would we like to see wearing a Fire uniform next year (Puma or not)? Doesn't have to be realistic "only if it would fit into the cap" reasoning, although, if you have the knowledge, it would certainly be enlightening. For myself, I remember seeing some rumors that Earnie Stewart was interested in playing in the MLS. I do imagine that he will be high priced, but I would love to see a player like Earnie on the Fire. If it isn't possible in 03 (from either his perspective or ours), perhaps by the time Peter (expectedly) retires, he could be a good replacement in the middle (if he's not too old by then) Thoughts? (and no, this doesn't mean I have given up on this year... just thinking ahead after seeing how we struggled for most of the year)
I am in no way ashamed to say if this had the slightest opportunity of happening I would nut my drawers. And he's the type we'd definetely be able to use. 'Lubos II, The Bludgeoning.' it doesn't, though. Obviously. Not for the least fact that if Hierro and Hristo were ever in the same room for more than a nanosecond we'd be carrying them out in large buckets.
Tell us why... For those of us who are not so knowledgeable, could you please tell us why you'd like to see these guys on the Fire? I happen to be a Fire and USMNT fan, but my knowledge of International soccer is admittedly weak (although I do konw who Hierro is!). Even my MLS knowledge is not that strong. Unless an opposing team's player has given memorable performance in a game I have seen (a strong showing to impress me, or given me a reason to develop gentle dislike, aka Chris Cariari, Ariel Graziani, Tim Howard), I may not know who you are referring to. Long story short - I recognize Justin Mapp's name, but for all I know that could be because he works six cubes away from me or something. Keep the brainstorms coming!
Eddie Johnson, another young player with a bright future who can give us a couple of seasons before going over to Europe- he may yet turn out to be the best American striker ever. Dallas has got enough competition at forward so they may be willing to swing a deal. But Hierro? Come on, he is consistently the weakest link for Real. He's slow, arrogant, and hits long ball after long ball to the other team. He may have been a great player once but not anymore. Not to say he wouldn't be class in the MLS but that's a pipe dream. Real, really needs to get Chivu to cover for Hierro.
An interesting idea. i'd be for this. Hierro is the soul of Real. I won't deny we need to better develop the defense, but suggesting Hierro has 'consistently been the weakest link' is ludicrous. And since when is being an arrogant player a bad thing? Every team has at least one. As long as you can back it up (and Hierro sure can) who cares?
Oh, I agree completely, but the question specified uniform. I think the scarf may be bending the rules of the question
Lubos II is exactly my thinking. Could this Hierro's last year with Real? I'm just playing the "spent serious time in Chicago and liked it here" angle. Nowak played here with Poland (I think?), Stoitchkov played here with Bulgaria, and Hierro & Spain were based in Lisle for the WC. BTW, Real has bigger problems in the back than Hierro. Maybe Ronaldo can win a spot as a center back.
It'd be tremendous, but Hierro strikes me as the type who will play or be involved in Madrid till he croaks. I think he'll probably play as long as Sanchis, and then immediately get involved coaching as an assistant or at the youth level. Now, this isn't to say if Hierro wanted to play for Chicago, I wouldn't jump at the opportunity. But we'd better make damn sure Hristo is all the way gone if we were to even approach him, as though the bloodbath would be funny in the press, it would be terrible for morale. I also doubt Fernando would be too keen on playing for us before we go back to SF.
Mark Chung has really impressed me over the past few seasons, I can see him filling in nicely in the midfield. Also, although I am not sure I want to lose Wolff, I would enjoy seeing Faria sporting the new Puma red. Mapp, as was pointed out would be a very nice touch as well. The first two most likely have little chance of joining the club, but nevertheless... If it were to happen, who would you loose to bring Faria to Chicago?
Just in terms of practicality, I'm going to stay with the guys I've mentioned in the past. Joselito Vaca and Brad Davis. Later, COZ
Even if everything feel into place, we could never affoird him. But we can dream about it. I like some of the other suggestions, Justin Mapp, Eddie Johnson and Josalito Vaca in particular
My wife is Chinese, and I know she would love to have an Asian player come to the Fire that she can root for. I think he's the only Asian MLS player out there, or am I wrong??
If we were going asian (my wife is Japanese, not that she would care either way) i would rather we land a younger player with more upside. Inamoto would be a great fit!