So the Fire took on the Crew this past Sunday and won in fighting fashion. After going up 2-0 through a stunner from Pappa and a great finish from Oduro, the Fire were reduced to 10 men when Segares received a striaght red for a reckless challenge. But the Crew only managed to pull back 1 goal as Klopas' team defended like crazy and played well as a unit, including key saves from Sean Johnson, to secure a second straight 3 points at home and some distance from the spots 5-7 in the East. It was a fantastic game that included some questioning when Grazzini was subbed off with Rolfe coming on in his place. With his contract expiring at the end of this month and no news from the FO about if his option was going to be picked up, Grazzini lifted his jersey to reveal a "Thank You Chicago" shirt. What the meaning behind this was we will never know but I will talk more about it a little later.
So as far as this week is concerned, The Fire travel to KC to take on SKC in a fake rivalry game. Well this is going to be one hell of a critical game and one tough game as both teams look for the 3 points. The Fire have a chance to decrease the gap between them and 3rd to 2 points if they can win. On the other hand SKC could make the gap between them and the Fire 8 points with a win. To make this harder on the Fire they will be without Segares(suspended), Puppo(injured, but who really cares?), and Grazzini(family issues, nope you read that right). So as far as the Fire are concerned it is going to be one hell of a fight for them and I can see a 1-1 draw if we are lucky because lets be honest without Grazzini controlling the middle of the park its going to be tough. Yes I hear people say "Hey lets try Rolfe in that position", well I say that might work but highly unlikely. Rolfe is a good player and we need him out on the field but I just feel he would be more helpful up top. But we will see what lineup Frank puts out there, maybe we'll get to see the Alex in the lineup but who knows.
So also this week, actually today, it was announced that the club has picked up Grazzini's option that will keep him with the team until the end of the year. That's great news, but it still doesn't answer the fact that this was not addressed previously or when Grazzini came out about the situation a few weeks ago. Well since I'm not able to attend practice due to work obligations, Guillermo Rivera over at Fire Confidential was able to get some quotes from Javier Leon who is Andrew Hauptman's right hand man when it comes to the team. His quotes can be found here. What I don't understand is what took so long? Leon kept mentioning Grazzini had family issues, was possibly looking at a transfer back to Argentina, the option was already done it was just that Grazzini wanted to hold off on an official announcement, and will not be traveling with the team to KC for a very important match up. Grazzini also mentioned a few weeks back that he was waiting to get everything resolved and that he wanted to stay here. All of this just does not make sense when you put it all together. The thing is also that they are looking at more transfer targets and one especially is a report that came out of Belgium saying the Fire have already agreed a transfer fee for a striker named Sherjill Macdonald. This move also doesn't make any sense since the only room that has been opened is two domestic slots by releasing Dube and trading Siriboe. How can the Fire add an international player with no slots available, something has to give. Will they release Puppo(not likely since he is Leon's DP), transfer Robayo back to Columbia, transfer Pappa to Europe(the thing that Pappa has said he wants to do), or even transfer Grazzini to another team? Who knows how they're going to make moves because to me it just seems like a total mess. Who knows, who knows. We will have to wait and see how the brain trust acts while this transfer window is open but as far as I know something just doesn't seem right with how the whole Grazzini situation is going down. The official reason he is not traveling to KC is that he missed training on Tuesday which doesn't make sense because he participated in full training Wednesday and Thursday. Take everything how you will but this fan is calling BS on the upper management and thinks that there should be some people in charge who know how to build a successful franchise on and off the field.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Match Day #14 Review, Match Day #15 Preview, and Some Talking Points
So I'll make my review and preview quick since it has yet been another busy week. This past Sunday we saw our beloved boys in red and white blue thoroughly put a beating on NY in what i thought had to be our best performance of the season. Goals from Nyarko, Segares, and Rolfe put the game out of reach as the score line finished 3-1. There was the lapse of letting NY score on a corner but all areas of the team played well and effectively shut down NY. Nyarko scored first by nodding(yes that's right he used his head, Thierry Henry doesn't know much about that) in a perfect lob from Grazzini within the first 5 minutes. It seemed that Chicago controlled much of the game in the first half and also enjoyed the majority of the chances also. But in the 2nd half NY came out guns a blazing and was able to find an equalizer in the 55th when McCarty was able to put his head on a corner to slot it past Johnson. This seemed to wake the Fire up and after Grazzini was subbed in the 60th(some talking points about this) and Rolfe came in the Fire started to press to find a winner. Now this was something that we have not seen all season long, a sense of urgency to find the win. Normally we would have to go down a goal or 2 before the team started playing with a sense of urgency. In the 64th Oduro was slotted through and it appeared that Conde was able to clear the ball off the line but all replays show that the ball was clearly over the line. The ref was in a perfect position for the call but in my opinion I think he was scared to make the call. The Fire players were infuriated that both the linesman and the ref missed the call and it worked to the Fire's advantage because it made them seem like a sleeping giant just woke up. In the 68th minute Oduro drove the box and his attempt was pushed away right to Segares who put it into the back of the net with authority. Shortly after in the 81st Rolfe finished the day by tapping in a low cross from Nyarko into a wide open goal. I just have one question from this past Sunday, where the hell has this team been at all season? The Fire looked impressive and everyone enjoyed the game thoroughly.
On to the next game. The Fire host the Crew this Saturday looking not to repeat what happened in Columbus over Memorial Day Weekend. The last time these 2 teams played only one showed up ready to play. The Fire looked horrible and to me personally it was painful to watch. Granted we were missing a few starters and we subbed one of those in at the start of the 2nd half but that should be no excuse as to why the Fire looked like crap. Well this weekend should be different, the team should be pumped up and ready to go after coming off the impressive win against NY. The only regular that was hoping to be back this weekend but instead is going to wait until the following week is Freidrich. Other than that the Fire should have a full available line up. The Crew looking to improve on a 0-0 tie with the Revs have only Orourke looking to come back from injury. I ave to say this just like last week, this is a must win game for the Fire. as the standings are now the Crew are 2 points behind the Fire with a game in hand. A win by the Crew would vault them above the Fire and put them in a good position to stay above the Fire in playoff positioning. A win by the Fire on the other hand would put some room between them and the Crew and also keep them within striking distance of NY with a game in hand. I can see the Fire pulling this one out in a hard fought game that might see a red or 2, final score 3-0 Fire with Rolfe, Nyarko, and Pardo getting on the score sheet.
Well now to some talking points:
On to the next game. The Fire host the Crew this Saturday looking not to repeat what happened in Columbus over Memorial Day Weekend. The last time these 2 teams played only one showed up ready to play. The Fire looked horrible and to me personally it was painful to watch. Granted we were missing a few starters and we subbed one of those in at the start of the 2nd half but that should be no excuse as to why the Fire looked like crap. Well this weekend should be different, the team should be pumped up and ready to go after coming off the impressive win against NY. The only regular that was hoping to be back this weekend but instead is going to wait until the following week is Freidrich. Other than that the Fire should have a full available line up. The Crew looking to improve on a 0-0 tie with the Revs have only Orourke looking to come back from injury. I ave to say this just like last week, this is a must win game for the Fire. as the standings are now the Crew are 2 points behind the Fire with a game in hand. A win by the Crew would vault them above the Fire and put them in a good position to stay above the Fire in playoff positioning. A win by the Fire on the other hand would put some room between them and the Crew and also keep them within striking distance of NY with a game in hand. I can see the Fire pulling this one out in a hard fought game that might see a red or 2, final score 3-0 Fire with Rolfe, Nyarko, and Pardo getting on the score sheet.
Well now to some talking points:
- Well last week it was posted that Puppo is considered a DP, well what the hell is that? Why hasn't someone been fired for spending DP money on a player that doesn't have the size or ability to play in the MLS? If Andrew is looking to save money one way would be to fire the person responsible for picking a player like that.
- We also know by now what happened with Grazzini when he was subbed out during Sunday's game. Well all of this contract confusion and him walking into the locker room before the end of the game seems to be all a misunderstanding and that both sides are still talking about his option that the club holds. To me he needs to be resigned because we con not afford to lose our playmaker mid season. He has also earned that extension.
- The transfer window opens up next week and it is rumored that the fire will sign someone during that window. Who they will try to sign remains to be seen. Hopefully it is that target striker that this team has been missing for years now, but who knows we have seen stranger things happen. We will just have to wait and see what happens. The Fire have also signed some mistakes and I pray to god they do not spend DP money on another Puppo.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Match Day #14 Preview and What The Hell Were They Smoking?
So this Sunday at TP, the Fire host New York or New Jersey or In Between Redbulls in a vital Eastern Conference clash. The Fire are looking to come off the 2 week break refreshed and looking to put an end to a run of poor form. The last 5 games have seen the Fire win once and lose the other 4, thats including the depressing loss in the Open Cup to the Bucks. The worse part about those 5 games is that the Fire has looked toothless and sloppy all over the pitch. Hopefully with this 2 week break they have had the chance to tighten things up defensively and work on the attacking side of the field. The Fire seem to be healthy with the normal injuries of Gibbs and Kinney. Friedrich looks to be all set after his spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury but he has said he might wait another week to come back just to be on the safe side. The Redbulls on the other hand were hoping to get back Henry into the lineup but they have announced he is out for Sunday as well as Marquez who picked up a knock while playing for Mexico.
This could be a winnable game for the Fire. The only way they can win is if they play smart, try to play without sitting back and looking to counter, and try to pressure the Redbulls. I have stressed this over and over but it seems that the Fire do not make any adjustments while the game is going. It seems that they like to try to play one style and not make any adjustments to the way the opposing team is playing. Another problem that might prevent the Fire getting a win is how the Fire's central defense pairing of Anibaba/Berry/Friedrich(depending on who starts) is able to handle Kenny Cooper who i tied for the league lead in goals so far this season. As he normally plays as a lone striker with Henry being out NY's offense will look to go through him. It is imarpitive that they limit his chances and that the outside backs can stop the wingers from providing service also. The Fire also have to finish the chances that they get. The last game against New England the Fire had chances but couldn't finish as they hit the post twice and squandered other chances. The offense has got to get going if they expect to make an appearance in the 2012 MLS Playoffs. I honestly think we might be ble to squeak out a 2-1 win here, if i'm wrong we will probably lose 3-0.
Now to the "What the hell were they smoking?" segment. Go ahead and take a look at the list of designated players in the league right now here. Once you find the player that does not belong on the list you will start to wonder "What the hell were they smoking?" I'll go further into it during my match rewind after this weekend.
See everybody at the game on Sunday and here is to a Fire victory.
This could be a winnable game for the Fire. The only way they can win is if they play smart, try to play without sitting back and looking to counter, and try to pressure the Redbulls. I have stressed this over and over but it seems that the Fire do not make any adjustments while the game is going. It seems that they like to try to play one style and not make any adjustments to the way the opposing team is playing. Another problem that might prevent the Fire getting a win is how the Fire's central defense pairing of Anibaba/Berry/Friedrich(depending on who starts) is able to handle Kenny Cooper who i tied for the league lead in goals so far this season. As he normally plays as a lone striker with Henry being out NY's offense will look to go through him. It is imarpitive that they limit his chances and that the outside backs can stop the wingers from providing service also. The Fire also have to finish the chances that they get. The last game against New England the Fire had chances but couldn't finish as they hit the post twice and squandered other chances. The offense has got to get going if they expect to make an appearance in the 2012 MLS Playoffs. I honestly think we might be ble to squeak out a 2-1 win here, if i'm wrong we will probably lose 3-0.
Now to the "What the hell were they smoking?" segment. Go ahead and take a look at the list of designated players in the league right now here. Once you find the player that does not belong on the list you will start to wonder "What the hell were they smoking?" I'll go further into it during my match rewind after this weekend.
See everybody at the game on Sunday and here is to a Fire victory.
Monday, June 11, 2012
So.......
One thing i don't understand is how come the Fire are not mentioned in the media like the rest of the teams around MLS when it comes to serious rumors. For instance last week(or week before?) we were treated with a rumor that the Fire made an offer to Del Piero. I hae great respect for Del Piero and what he has done throughout his career, but for god's sake he is 39 years old. Another rumor that popped its head was the Fire were strongly considering making an offer to David Suazo, who I personally thought was a good player 6 years ago and up until now I thought he retired due to injuries and a lack of goal scoring form. These 2 rumors make me a bit skeptical of the Fire's ambition and goals. Its true, we need a striker that can finish because our current corps is not getting it done. And yes we haven't seen what Rolfe truly brings to the table but he is in no way our savior that we have been missing for the past 2 seasons. Oduro had a fantastic season last year and started this season with a bang but the opposing teams have adapted to his style of play and have effectively take him out games. So we need another option up top. It doesn't have to be a DP but it has to be someone that can finish.
Now most the articles that I read on MLSsoccer.com, goal.com, and other various sites that mention Chicago Fire Soccer Club plus a players name that doesn't play for the team do not make any sense. We were linked to some striker in Italy that sounded like the Italian version of Puppo which we do not need another one of those. We have been linked with the captain of Red Star Belgrade a right back, why would we spend money on a right back when we have the Gargan? Del Piero and Suazo are pretty good players to be mentioned with if it was 2005. And then when you read articles like this one it makes you wonder what is going on. Why would we be linked with a player that does not fit our particular needs? And from that same article Klopas is quoted "I have never had discussions with Michael Ballack or his agent," Klopas told Goal.com. "Our priority isn't at the central midfield spot." Well why don't you eloborate a little more? I understand that team do not want to give players names that they are in negotiations with bu at least give us a little more to let us, the fan base, know that you are trying. That article was about how Montreal's negotiations with Ballack broke down and they were looking for another player. But what I like is that the GM came and said we are in a position to sign both Seedorf and Ballack if they both said yes. All we get out of the managment at Toyota Park is no we haven't talked to him and we aren't looking at midfielders. Why not a little assurances that you are trying something and you are not waiting to improve this team until its too late. Why are you just letting what Andrew said back at the town hall meeting be the words for the club?(He said he would spend money on a impact player) I guess we will have to wait and see what happens. But how about some assurances that they are trying to make the club better? Some people will say "Oh I'm Fire till I die not Fire when they win trophies". well you know what I've been there since 98 and have not missed a season and probably will not miss a season but I do not like putting up with mediocrity. "Fire till I die" for some means they will be there until the end which I feel I'm in that group to others it means that no matter how bad the team is you put you faith in the team and do not criticize the team. I can't understand why people would not want there team to be better/ Why would people be okay with mediocrity? Why would people not demand better? What we are going to be become the Cubs of the MLS?(Sorry Cubs fans) Are we just going to be a team that does not challenge every season and the fan base is going to be okay with that? The next 3 games to close out the month of June will tell alot for this club. In my opinion if they manage to get 5 or more points they will be in a good position but if they don't get any results at all than the FO will be scramling to try to fix the problems. I hope for the best but at the same time keep it in the back of my head that this season could end up like the last 2. Well there's rant of sme sort, the growing frustration of a fan that wants this team to be great and be one of the premier teams in the MLS again.
Now most the articles that I read on MLSsoccer.com, goal.com, and other various sites that mention Chicago Fire Soccer Club plus a players name that doesn't play for the team do not make any sense. We were linked to some striker in Italy that sounded like the Italian version of Puppo which we do not need another one of those. We have been linked with the captain of Red Star Belgrade a right back, why would we spend money on a right back when we have the Gargan? Del Piero and Suazo are pretty good players to be mentioned with if it was 2005. And then when you read articles like this one it makes you wonder what is going on. Why would we be linked with a player that does not fit our particular needs? And from that same article Klopas is quoted "I have never had discussions with Michael Ballack or his agent," Klopas told Goal.com. "Our priority isn't at the central midfield spot." Well why don't you eloborate a little more? I understand that team do not want to give players names that they are in negotiations with bu at least give us a little more to let us, the fan base, know that you are trying. That article was about how Montreal's negotiations with Ballack broke down and they were looking for another player. But what I like is that the GM came and said we are in a position to sign both Seedorf and Ballack if they both said yes. All we get out of the managment at Toyota Park is no we haven't talked to him and we aren't looking at midfielders. Why not a little assurances that you are trying something and you are not waiting to improve this team until its too late. Why are you just letting what Andrew said back at the town hall meeting be the words for the club?(He said he would spend money on a impact player) I guess we will have to wait and see what happens. But how about some assurances that they are trying to make the club better? Some people will say "Oh I'm Fire till I die not Fire when they win trophies". well you know what I've been there since 98 and have not missed a season and probably will not miss a season but I do not like putting up with mediocrity. "Fire till I die" for some means they will be there until the end which I feel I'm in that group to others it means that no matter how bad the team is you put you faith in the team and do not criticize the team. I can't understand why people would not want there team to be better/ Why would people be okay with mediocrity? Why would people not demand better? What we are going to be become the Cubs of the MLS?(Sorry Cubs fans) Are we just going to be a team that does not challenge every season and the fan base is going to be okay with that? The next 3 games to close out the month of June will tell alot for this club. In my opinion if they manage to get 5 or more points they will be in a good position but if they don't get any results at all than the FO will be scramling to try to fix the problems. I hope for the best but at the same time keep it in the back of my head that this season could end up like the last 2. Well there's rant of sme sort, the growing frustration of a fan that wants this team to be great and be one of the premier teams in the MLS again.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Match Day #13 Rewind and a Look At The 2 Week Break
So we all know what happened Saturday night in Boston. While watching the game I thought to myself during the first half, "Hey we're actually looking okay, creating some chances, and not giving up too many chances. We might actually win this game." The second half started and we looked great up until the substitution that brought Rolfe on for Oduro. What happened next is in no way Rolfe's fault, I just think that the sub disrupted our flow of possession and good attacking soccer. What happened next was just an embarrassment. The Fire made New England's attacking corps look like they should be playing for Barcelona. The way our defense fell asleep and let them walk right in to score the 2 goals was just unbelievable. After the 2 goals were scored it was the good old Fire we have come to know this year, start playing with a sense of urgency when trailing.
I really thought the Fire had a good chance of pulling out a win on Saturday but they didn't. Add this to the disappointment of the US Open Cup exit and 3 MLS games that only produced 3 points, I ask my self "What's next?". Does Frank have a magical signing that will put us over the edge when it comes playoff time? Will we miss out on the playoffs yet again? All of this boils down to whether or not Andrew wants this team to be a winner or if he is just comfortable with it being mediocre. With Andrew being our owner I'm leaning with the latter. Ever since he bought the club I have never liked him and have always stated that he is not a good owner for the this team. The past couple years we have seen this, as well as who he has for his right hand man that works with him in dealing with club decisions. I feel there is just something holding this team back. I hear that Klopas has final say when it comes to players on his roster, but how much of that is true. Javier Leon, Andy's right hand man, used to be CDUSA CEO and now he is in charge of informing Andrew about what would be good for his project and also some talent evaluation. Well we all know how well Chivas USA has done in the past.
With that being said imagine how a conversation would look like if Frank found a player that would fit into the system.
Frank: "Javier I found a player that could put us over the top."
Javier: "Really?"
Frank: "Yeah, he is a clinical finisher and could really help."
Javier: "Okay I'll let the boss know."
Javier then goes to speak with Andrew.
Javier: "Hey boss, Frank might have found a player."
Andrew: "Tell me more."
Javier: "Well he is a forward that will cost this much, but I found a guy down in Uruguay that is cheaper and I think he will work out well in the MLS."
Andrew: "Well I like the sound of the second guy."
Well those might not be the exact words but you can imagine. Maybe Frank is being held back because of Javier and Andrew. We may never know. But what I do know is that this club has to do something in order to make the playoffs. They have to make some changes in order to get this team to be a well oiled machine that we come to expect from our history. The pessimist in me says that with Andy be a vacant owner and only caring about profit(ie see investment into 2nd Star Club that everyone is lining up to be a part of) this team will only be mediocre. Because we all know that mediocrity and not winning sells tickets. But being a fan I will be there cheering on the Fire win or lose, but if they lose I'm not going to idly sit there and not let my voice be heard. So here's to a 2 week break and when we come back let's hope the Fire are back with renewed focus and ready to destroy the pink cows on the 17th.
As always please leave comments and now for a break for at least a week. Hopefully the players get some rest and we have more of a full roster than we have had in the past couple weeks.
I really thought the Fire had a good chance of pulling out a win on Saturday but they didn't. Add this to the disappointment of the US Open Cup exit and 3 MLS games that only produced 3 points, I ask my self "What's next?". Does Frank have a magical signing that will put us over the edge when it comes playoff time? Will we miss out on the playoffs yet again? All of this boils down to whether or not Andrew wants this team to be a winner or if he is just comfortable with it being mediocre. With Andrew being our owner I'm leaning with the latter. Ever since he bought the club I have never liked him and have always stated that he is not a good owner for the this team. The past couple years we have seen this, as well as who he has for his right hand man that works with him in dealing with club decisions. I feel there is just something holding this team back. I hear that Klopas has final say when it comes to players on his roster, but how much of that is true. Javier Leon, Andy's right hand man, used to be CDUSA CEO and now he is in charge of informing Andrew about what would be good for his project and also some talent evaluation. Well we all know how well Chivas USA has done in the past.
With that being said imagine how a conversation would look like if Frank found a player that would fit into the system.
Frank: "Javier I found a player that could put us over the top."
Javier: "Really?"
Frank: "Yeah, he is a clinical finisher and could really help."
Javier: "Okay I'll let the boss know."
Javier then goes to speak with Andrew.
Javier: "Hey boss, Frank might have found a player."
Andrew: "Tell me more."
Javier: "Well he is a forward that will cost this much, but I found a guy down in Uruguay that is cheaper and I think he will work out well in the MLS."
Andrew: "Well I like the sound of the second guy."
Well those might not be the exact words but you can imagine. Maybe Frank is being held back because of Javier and Andrew. We may never know. But what I do know is that this club has to do something in order to make the playoffs. They have to make some changes in order to get this team to be a well oiled machine that we come to expect from our history. The pessimist in me says that with Andy be a vacant owner and only caring about profit(ie see investment into 2nd Star Club that everyone is lining up to be a part of) this team will only be mediocre. Because we all know that mediocrity and not winning sells tickets. But being a fan I will be there cheering on the Fire win or lose, but if they lose I'm not going to idly sit there and not let my voice be heard. So here's to a 2 week break and when we come back let's hope the Fire are back with renewed focus and ready to destroy the pink cows on the 17th.
As always please leave comments and now for a break for at least a week. Hopefully the players get some rest and we have more of a full roster than we have had in the past couple weeks.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Match day #13 Preview
So the Fire take on the Revolution later on this evening in an Eastern Conference showdown and a rivalry that actually is not made up. For years New England had the Fire's number in the playoffs especially up until a couple years ago. Yeah that's right, about the time that this team stopped making the playoffs.
New England has actually surprised me this as I thought with the announcement that long time coach Steve Nichol was being let go for inexperienced and former Rev Jay Heaps. When I heard the announcement I thought that New England fans were going to be in for a world of hurt this season, but the fact of the matter is that even with a first year coach they have been playing better as of late. New England has a full injury list but should be able to field some quality players such as Benny Feilhaber, Sharlie Joseph, and newcomer Saer Sene. Sene has proven to be the goal scorer that the Revs have needed, so far scoring 7 goals in 11 games. The Fire defense have a tough night a head of them and mental mistakes like what happened on Tuesday against the Bucks and Saturday against the Crew cannot happen.
I see Frank sticking with almost the same lineup as he has used all season long. Johnson in goal, a 4 man back line of Gargan, Anibaba, Berry, Segagares as Gibbs is still out until the end of the season, Kinney still has the worst luck of any player, and Friedrich gets ready to make his return on 17th. In the mid field I see the usual Pardo and Pause as DM, Nyarko on the left, Grazzini in the middle, with Pappa away on national team duty I would love to see Paladini or Bone get the start on the right. I never want to see Robayo ever grace the field in Fire red again after his crap displays on Tuesday and Saturday. That means a 2 man front which I would love to see Oduro and Barrouch up top. Good news this week is that Rolfe is ready to go but in a limited capacity. I can see him coming off the bench in the second half and seeing limited action due to the weather conditions and the fact that the game is being held on field turf.
This is a tricky game to call as both teams are just in a state of mediocrity to sub par performing right now. I'll go with a 1-1 tie tonight as both sides get some chances but the majority of the game will be a rough battle in the middle.
New England has actually surprised me this as I thought with the announcement that long time coach Steve Nichol was being let go for inexperienced and former Rev Jay Heaps. When I heard the announcement I thought that New England fans were going to be in for a world of hurt this season, but the fact of the matter is that even with a first year coach they have been playing better as of late. New England has a full injury list but should be able to field some quality players such as Benny Feilhaber, Sharlie Joseph, and newcomer Saer Sene. Sene has proven to be the goal scorer that the Revs have needed, so far scoring 7 goals in 11 games. The Fire defense have a tough night a head of them and mental mistakes like what happened on Tuesday against the Bucks and Saturday against the Crew cannot happen.
I see Frank sticking with almost the same lineup as he has used all season long. Johnson in goal, a 4 man back line of Gargan, Anibaba, Berry, Segagares as Gibbs is still out until the end of the season, Kinney still has the worst luck of any player, and Friedrich gets ready to make his return on 17th. In the mid field I see the usual Pardo and Pause as DM, Nyarko on the left, Grazzini in the middle, with Pappa away on national team duty I would love to see Paladini or Bone get the start on the right. I never want to see Robayo ever grace the field in Fire red again after his crap displays on Tuesday and Saturday. That means a 2 man front which I would love to see Oduro and Barrouch up top. Good news this week is that Rolfe is ready to go but in a limited capacity. I can see him coming off the bench in the second half and seeing limited action due to the weather conditions and the fact that the game is being held on field turf.
This is a tricky game to call as both teams are just in a state of mediocrity to sub par performing right now. I'll go with a 1-1 tie tonight as both sides get some chances but the majority of the game will be a rough battle in the middle.
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