Chicago Fire | Global Football Today

The Great White North

Posted by Jeff Engelmann on April 26, 2013 at 9:55 pm Chicago Fire, MLS, Montreal Impact

Apr 262013

The Chicago Fire (2-4-1) take on the Montreal Impact (4-1-1) tomorrow at Stade Saputo in Montreal. Both teams are coming off home games to Columbus.

Chicago are headed, for the first time this year to the Great White North to take on Montreal and are looking for a second win in a row. The question is now if Chicago can play consistently moving forward in the season. Assistant Coach Mike Matkovich brings this point to light, “Now the key is moving to Montreal, the consistency, can we put it together game in and game out and can you play like that on the road?”

The struggles finding consistency at the back are likely to make a reappearance with Wells Thompson, who in my opinion has done well at the right back position, will be serving his suspension for his tackle in last week’s game against the Columbus Crew.

With Arne Fredrich still out, the question arises, who will be playing at right back for the Men in Red? There seem to be two logical possibilities in Logan Pause and Mike Videira. Taking Pause out of the midfield however may be a tactical mistake that Chicago would be best to avoid as he has been a strong point in the Chicago midfield in the last two games. If it’s up to me, Videira gets the start especially after he looked good in the position in Kansas City.

Montreal are sitting third in the Eastern conference with two games in hand to Sporting KC and one game in hand to the Houston Dynamo, the two teams above them. When asked about coming off of the home win to Columbus Coach Matkovich was already looking forward, “Montreal is off to a great start so you have to give them some credit where they’re at right now. We went out there last year and got a point out of it… it’s going to be a difficult game they have some good players, they are very dynamic… Hopefully we can get up there and get some points out of it that will be the key at the end of the day.”

Chicago are hoping for a point, Montreal look to continue their dominance in the conference. It will be a tight game, and I predict a 1-1 score line. See if I’m right and catch the match on NBC Sports.

Dynamo Set MLS Record With 2-1 Win

Posted by Jeff Engelmann on April 14, 2013 at 7:45 pm Chicago Fire, Global Football Today, Houston Dynamo, MLS

Apr 142013

Chicago fell 2-1 to the Dynamo today in Houston where the Dynamo still have not lost. This game marked the pinnacle of a 35 game unbeaten streak at home for Houston, and the setting of an MLS record.

Chicago looked to build on the momentum of their first victory of the season last week. “It was awesome t getting the first win of the year,” Chicago midfielder Wells Thompson said before the game, “It was a huge lift of spirits and I know it is cliché to say, but I think it was a character win for us. We go down 1-0 early, we miss a PK, but we have the character to continue to fight.” Houston hoped to capitalize off their set pieces as they have done so well in the past.

With Arne not on this week’s roster, Wells Thompson started again at right back with Anibaba in the center back position. The debate still rages in my mind as to who will hold the right back position after Arne’s return. Thompson has played fantastic for the fire dropping back and filling in in the absence of several players on the back line, but Anibaba’s experience in the position makes him the right choice for me.

From the start the game was back and forth. The ball moving quickly end to end, with several opportunities presenting themselves for both teams early.

Chicago had a great opportunity with a free kick just outside the area early in the game. Paladini lined up to take the kick but put the shot the ball over the wall over the net and into the stands. Chicago responded well shortly thereafter as well defending strongly against several ever dangerous Dynamo Corners.

Houston had an excellent opportunity to put the ball in the back of the net in the 12th minute Davies sent a blast toward the Chicago goal and Sean Johnson rose to the task moving left to right in the net with a diving save.

The Dynamo’s Giles Barnes had two serious chances to head home the game’s first goal but failed to finish on both crosses played into him, sending both headers just over the bar. On the third chance for Houston, on a cross put gracefully into Will Bruin, the Dynamo would make no mistake. Bruin angled the header down past Chicago goaltender Sean Johnson. The Dynamo are well known for they brilliance on set pieces but all three of these chances came from open play as the Chicago midfield, that played so well in their last game, struggled to slow down the play along the wings.

Chicago wouldn’t stay down long though. Channeling Rory Delap, Chicago sent a long throw into the box. Taking advantage of a Dynamo defense that seemed to be standing still, Chris Rolfe slammed home the tying goal in the 29th minute for the Fire.

The beginning of the second half brought no changes to the lineups. In the 56th minute Nyarko, back from his hamstring injury, came on for the yellow carded midfielder Dan Paladini. Shortly thereafter, Maicon Santos came on for MacDonald, who failed, once again in this game, to deliver that spark Chicago are looking to him for.

Houston Hoped to come away with the lead in the 63rd minute when a perfect ball was slotted thought to Andrew Driver. Alone in on the keeper, Driver took his shot, a low ball headed to the back of the net; Johnson had to come up big for Chicago to hold the game level. Although Houston managed to hold the play, for the most part, in the second half, other than this chance, they did not look all that dangerous, only getting a few minor chances that Johnson was able to handle easily.

Chicago looked again to take the lead in the 70th minute with one of their second half subs. Maicon Santos had an excellent chance when a cross was put into the danger area but it got caught up in his feet and he was unable to direct the shot on target. Chris Rolfe followed the play in but his finishing shot was cleared blocked behind the net by the Dynamo defense.

Houston took a late lead in the 81st minute when Captain Brad Davis took a shot that had eyes from 35 yards out. It seemed to fool the Fire defense and goaltender and looped its way into the back of the net.

Chicago just two minutes later nearly equalized when a corner kick was headed hard off the crossbar, but it seems that the soccer gods want Houston to keep this home streak alive.

Chicago had one last chance in extra time on a free kick granted by the referee. The put the ball in from the left right onto the head of the Houston dynamo defender and on the counter attack Houston nearly added insult to injury with a ball smashed just over the bar in the 92nd minute.

Chicago will look to regroup as they head back to Toyota Park for a night game next Saturday against the Columbus Crew. The points up for grabs in that game will be vital for the Fire. They were not able to capitalize on the momentum they carried into this game; Look for them to come out fast and hard and take away a tough win next week.

Finally!

Posted by Jeff Engelmann on April 7, 2013 at 10:38 pm Chicago Fire, Global Football Today, MLS, New York Red Bulls

Apr 072013

Early in this fixture it looked as if Chicago might lose again. After going down 1-0 early though, Chicago battled back to a 3-1 win, taking three points away for a good New York Team. With the win, the Fire are granted a massive confidence boost with lots of football still left to play in the season. With this win a collective sigh of relief may be taken by the Chicago faithful, players and coaches.

Chicago went down early but they had a chance to come even in the 24^th minute. Veteran Chris Rolfe sent his potentially equalizing penalty kick wide to the left side and relief was definitely not the subtext of the sighs at Toyota Park. After the game Chicago mid fielder Dan Paladini spoke aloud, what most Chicago fans were probably thinking when the ball came off of Rolfe’s foot. “When he missed that, it seemed like ‘that’s kind of our season right now.”

Chicago were lucky enough to equalize late in the first half and take some momentum into the locker room. This goal came off the foot of Paladini, my man of the season so far for Chicago, he described the goal, “I made the run, but he hit a perfect ball and the wind caught it. I knew I was going to get there before the goalie. So… home field advantage.”

Paladini was named man of the match after this week’s game, and rightfully so as he was involved in all three of Chicago’s goals. Coach Klopas agreed saying, “Danny’s got quality and when we’ve called him to step in, he’s done it.”

Chicago had a bit of a scare in the 69^th minute when New York’s Thierry Henry sent a wonder blast heavy off the woodwork. This, however, seemed to be his only major chance as Chicago were able to keep him out of dangerous areas for the rest of the game.

Chicago substitute Maicon Santos wasted no time when only 20 minutes after taking the field, he took the lead for Chicago. In the 83^rd minute, he put Chicago on top with a beautiful piece of footwork followed by a devilish piece of finishing sliding in the game winning goal. He also tucked home a goal off a set piece 5 minutes later to secure the three points for Chicago.

“It feels nice, not just for me but the whole team,” Santos said, “It feels nice to get three points at home and do that for the win. The two goals are a bonus for me. The team winning is the most important.”

A win like this can often get a team delusional, celebrating and thinking that everything is fixed. Coach Klopas won’t let hat happen.

“It was great and important, but we have to be even keel. When things weren’t going our way, we never changed. There was a lot of panic by a lot of people, but we won our game and its fantastic. Now it gives us the energy to work even harder.”

The team looks to the return of it still missing players. They hope to see the likes of Nyarko, Degares, Duka and Friedrich back as they head to Houston To take on the Dynamo this coming Sunday, April 14^th.

The First and Second Cities

Posted by Jeff Engelmann on April 6, 2013 at 8:07 pm Chicago Fire, Global Football Today, MLS, New York Red Bulls

Apr 062013

The Chicago Fire look to claw their way up off the bottom of the table when they take on the seventh place New York Red Bulls tomorrow April 6^th at Toyota Park.

They Men in Red had the week off last week to rest up their injured players and try to figure out what has been going wrong so far this season. The time off has truly come as a gift to the Fire as they will see the return of many key players. Logan Pause will be back on the pitch for Chicago. “I’ve strung along, for about a week now, some really good days with my health. Hopefully I’m on the other side of it. I think I’ll be available, ready to go on Sunday,” he told the Fire a few days ago. This game may also mark the return of defensive leader Arne Friedrich. He recently returned from Germany where he was receiving treatment from a therapist who he has been working with for over 10 years. When asked about the treatment on the training pitch Arne said, “We have very good therapists here with the Fire but this guy knows my body best, he did a great job, my body feels great and I don’t have any pain so far.”

Along with the many returning players, Chicago will look to draw on past success against New York at home as the Red Bulls have never won a game at Toyota Park. Assistant Coach Mike Matkovich says, “There are certain teams you feel like you’ve got a way with” referring to Sporting KC, “and I feel like New York is another one of these teams that we do well against.”

Chicago has been lackluster defensively in the last several games and the Red Bulls are a dynamic team playing forward. Chicago will have to play tight defensively and rely on the space that will open up in the New York defense in order to posture for goals on the counter attack. When asked about taking on football legend Thierry Henry, Chicago Midfielder Logan Pause said, “His resume speaks for itself. He’s a guy that you really have to keep your eye on at all times, he doesn’t need many chances to score.” He went on to say that Chicago needs to work hard to eliminate his touches and confine him to less dangerous parts of the field.

New York are coming off of their first win of the season and look to carry that momentum into Toyota Park and take their first win away from there. Hopefully Chicago can lean on its returning leaders and put up a strong showing in this game.

My Prediction

NY 3 – 2 Chicago (The third goal coming late for New York)

This prediction makes me sad. Because I think Chicago will hold control of this game for the most part but won’t be able to tally their first win on the season, even with the return of some key players.

The Goal Drought Is Over, But Chicago Still Have A Long Way To Go

Posted by Jeff Engelmann on March 24, 2013 at 7:57 pm Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, Global Football Today, MLS

Mar 242013

The Chicago Fire are keeping the bottom of the Eastern Conference Table warm after a tough home loss this afternoon to Chivas USA, 4-1.

The wind whipped strong though Toyota Park as the fans filed in to watch this weekends match between the Chicago Fire (0-2-1) and Chivas USA (1-1-1). Chicago hope they can find the back of the net for the first time this season in a game where the home advantage may be a factor. Chivas have played all of their games so far this year in LA and with the wind chill hitting 24 degrees at kickoff. Chicago need to take the wind and the cold and turn them in their favor.

On the field Chicago brought out a 4-2-3-1 formation featuring newcomer Wells Thompson at right back and goaltender Paolo Tornaghi. Chivas put forward an aggressive 3-4-3 formation which has been standard for them under El Chelis.

Chicago had a chance to strike early when in the second minute, Sherjill MacDonald made an excellent overlapping run down the left. The pass was threaded through by Alex and MacDonald struck the ball but the shot flew straight at goal keeper Dan Kennedy, who easily made the save.

The fire didn’t go back on their heels, and in the fifth minute they had a chance on a set piece. Hoping to take advantage of Chivas’ short back line, Midfielder Dan Paladini sent in a beautiful in-swinging cross. Chicago had a chance to capitalize but the play was stopped short by an excellent clearance by the Chivas defense.

Again, in the tenth minute Paladini sent in a looping ball from a set piece on the left side. The ball was headed goalward but was forced wide by a great reaction save by Dan Kennedy.

Wells Thompson was called upon in the game several times, and grew into his position as the game progressed. Chivas frontman Juan Agudelo tended to favor the left side of the pitch challenging Thompson who is new to the right back position.

Chris Rolff had a chance to end Chicago’s scoring lapse with a ripe opportunity when a pass threaded the defense in the 39^th minute providing him with a wide open break away chance on the Chivas goaltender. Kennedy had other plans and timed his run out to the ball well, sliding to deny the Chicago veteran.

Dan Paladini has had another strong showing throughout this game. He created chances on offense and worked hard on defense, playing the midfield position how it’s meant to be played. His persistence almost paid off in the 50^th minute when he had a ball slotted through the back line by Alex onto his perfectly timed run. He took an extra step at the goaltender and let the ball go toward the bottom left corner, glancing off the outside of the post the ball wound behind for a goal kick.

Chivas found the Score board in the 57^th minute with a lovely strike from Chivas midfielder Edgar Mejia. After a corner kick Chicago was unable to find all of the opposing men on the field. The ball caromed from one Chivas player to another until popping out onto the waiting foot of Mejia who sent a rocket ball with eyes into the top corner of the net.

In the 65^th minute Chicago carried the play up the right side of the field. The ball was sent into forward Sherjill MacDonald who corralled the ball and with a clever piece of footwork pushed the ball past three defenders to Patrick Nyarko. Nyarko took a touch and slyly slid the ball under Dan Kennedy. Finally, drought over, and all the fans in Toyota Park breathed a sigh of relief as The Men in Red put home their first goal of the season. Chicago Fire’s Section 8 Fan area, not willing to settle for a tie, immediately began the chant, “One more Fire, one more.”

There would be one more, at least one, unfortunately it would not come from Chicago in fact Chivas would begin its assault shortly after Chicago equalized. In the 74^th Minute from a set piece on the left, the ball was crossed in and Chicago’s goaltender came out to play the ball but misjudged the distance. He tried to recover and back into the right position but found himself in no-mans-land. Chivas’ Joaquin Velázquez was wide open on the back post to finish it off with a well-placed header.

Chicago were reeling and just two minutes later Juan Agudelo would make it a two goal game. Chivas would retrieve the ball after play started again and a chip pass from 45 yards out on the left side was floated in on the wind. The Chivas forward made no mistake about it, curling the ball past the Chicago goaltender into the bottom right corner of the net.

In the last twenty minutes Chicago pushed players forward looking to get pressure in the offensive third. It worked but Dan Kennedy stood tall stopping a barrage of Chicago Fire strikes, including a header from Jeff Laretowicz that was The Fire’s best chance after their goal.

And there is nothing like adding insult to injury and that is just what happened in the 89^th Minute when Jalil Anibaba sent the ball into his own goal.

When the final whistle went it was a welcome relief to the floundering Chicago Fire, who walked away dropping 3 more points on the season.

So the goal drought is over, but Chicago have yet to win a game and with only one point so far this season, there is a long road ahead of them if they want to get back into contention. Chicago now have two weeks off to go over the tapes and contemplate how they can muster their first win in the match April 7^th at home against the New York Red Bulls.

Chicago Fire Play Host to Chivas USA in Critical Home Game

Posted by Jeff Engelmann on March 23, 2013 at 12:00 pm Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, Global Football Today, MLS

Mar 232013

The Chicago Fire, still winless, play host to Chivas USA tomorrow at Toyota Park at 4:00 PM CT. Both teams are coming off Draws and look to add points to their respective team’s tallies. Chicago hope to replicate last year’s result in this, the only meeting between the Fire and Chivas this year.

The game will likely showcase yet another player on the right side for the Chicago Fire. With injury still plaguing them, their back line will likely have holes once again. Goalkeeper Sean Johnson and midfielder Joel Lindpere will also be out as they are on international duty for USA and Estonia respectively.

Chicago Injury Report:

Out:

Arne Friedrich– Right Hamstring Tightness
Michael Videira– Concussion
Victor Pineda - Meniscus Repair

Questionable:

Steven Kinney– Right Quad Strain
Dilly Duka – Left Hamstring Tightness

With so many out and others questionable, it will be interesting to see what line up is put on the pitch by Coach Klopas.

The Fire will certainly be looking to their role players to put forward a strong game. Previously in the week the Fire were unsure of the status of Logan Pause. The start of fifth string defender Wells Thompson seemed imminent. “I’m getting there,” Pause said after Wednesday’s training session. “I’m definitely still inching along, but I’m definitely at a point where I feel like I’m helping the team.” In the last few days news came out that he is most likely set to go for this Sunday’s game.

The Fire need to find the finishing touch. In their last three games their counter attack has been decent but the finishing has been nonexistent. Chicago are still looking for their first goal of the season. It is hard to say exactly where the scoring trouble is coming from but it is a fact that they have only produced 22 shots so far this season. Chicago is a long ball and counter attack team but even with that being said, 22 shots is only two more than Sporting KC were able to muster in the game against Chicago last week.

Chicago have a week off following this game and, sitting at the bottom of the table, really cannot afford to drop any more points in this crucial home game.

The Fire’s ability to capitalize on the chances they create will most likely determine the outcome of this game. Coach José Luis Sánchez Solá has gone on record saying that he would rather lose 5-4 than win 1-0 playing conservatively. I think we will see a much more desperate Chicago team, and with them likely seeing a lot more opportunities, I predict a 2-0 victory in this game.

Chivas USA are coming into the game off of a strong, shorthanded, come-from-behind draw against the defending Champion LA Galaxy in the SuperClasico.

Chicago (0-2-1) vs Chivas (1-1-1)

Kick off will be at 4:00PM CT and will be broadcast on My50 Chicago.

The Fire Steal a Point, But Fail to Find the Score Board

Posted by Jeff Engelmann on March 16, 2013 at 8:36 pm Chicago Fire, Global Football Today, MLS, Sporting KC

Mar 162013

The Chicago Fire are still winless after a draw against Sporting KC in SKC’s home opener. Chicago pulled a point out of Midwest rivals despite poor finishing, passing, and ball control. Sporting’s lack of a finishing touch in this game is the only reason that Chicago came out with any points at all.

Struggles putting the ball in the back of the net have plagued the Fire so far this season. Chicago is three games in and they are still looking for their first goal. In this game, they spent most of their time in their own defensive third looking for a way to get the ball back. Sporting held possession for over three quarters of the game and the timid Chicago midfield and defense did little to close down sporting when they had possession.

Even though Chicago has been shut out in their last two games, the resilience shown in this game by the back line, despite injury trouble, is a positive sign for the Men in Red, and certainly something to build upon.

Sporting slung 20 balls toward the net in the game, but only 3 hit the frame, and all of those were fired straight at Sean Johnson. Even the shots that made their way through heavy traffic in front of the net were easily turned away by the Chicago goaltender.

Chicago was able to put some pressure onto the opposition working on the counter attack. The midfield and defense were able to slow down the play enough to make a few fast breaks possible. The Fire thought they might steal three points with a late goal from Dan Paladini in the 89^th minute. His first touch off the through ball from Rolfe was just a bit too heavy, and Sporting KC goaltender, Jimmy Nielsen, was able to come out and make a lovely diving leg save to keep the clean sheet.

The Fire play next at Toyota Park, against Chivas USA on March 24^th at 4:00pm CT. Chicago anticipates the return of Logan Pause and Steven Kinney to the squad from injury for this game. Chivas will be taking on the defending champion LA Galaxy tomorrow in the much anticipated rivalry match at The Home Depot Center.

Final Score

Chicago Fire 0 – 0 Sporting KC

Crucial Stats

Attempts at Goal

Chicago – 7

Sporting KC – 20

Attempts on Target

Chicago Fire – 1

Sporting KC – 3

Passes/Passing Percentage

Chicago Fire – 220/59%

Sporting KC – 609/82%

Possession

Chicago Fire – 27.1%

Sporting KC – 72.9%

Into the Book

Chicago 41’ – Dan Paladini

KC 47’ – Seth Sinovic

Chicago 77’ – Gonzalo Segares

Chicago 84’ – Maicon Santos

Chicago 91’ – Chris Rolfe

KC 93’ – Oriol Rosell

Chicago Looks to Regroup vs Sporting KC as Back Line Wanes

Posted by Jeff Engelmann on March 14, 2013 at 9:14 pm Chicago Fire, Global Football Today, MLS

Mar 142013

CBH12051213 SportingKC v Chicago Chicago Looks to Regroup vs Sporting KC as Back Line Wanes

The Chicago Fire hit the road again, this weekend in route to Kansas City to take on Sporting KC in Sporting’s home opener. The Fire look to rebound, in this MLS Rivalry Week Match, after dropping six points in the first two weeks of their season.

Chicago has failed to put themselves on the score sheet in both of their last two games, losing 4-0 to the LA Galaxy and 1-0 to the New England Revolution.

Even more frustrating than the lack of goals is the lackluster defensive performance put forward by Chicago’s back line. The gap left by the injured Arne Freidrich has proved difficult for the team to fill. Word came Monday morning that the defenseman is going to be out of the squad for at most two weeks while he works with his therapist in Germany. Head Coach Frank Klopas says, “He told me he’s feeling better. If we look at the schedule and games coming up, I think we’ll be targeting the New York game to hopefully bring him back if everything goes well and there are no setbacks.”

After the game last week against New England, it was revealed that Chicago defenseman Steven Kinney would also be out for this weekend’s match with a quad strain. This leaves the Chicago defense searching for answers this weekend.

“We’re thin at the back,” Klopas said. “You miss someone like Arne, for sure. But there’s other guys there. We’re going to be looking at opportunities for guys who, long term, are going to be able to help the team.”

Sporting KC are coming off a 2-1 loss to Toronto FC. Sporting KC is 12-2-3 in previous home openers and they look to deal an opening day loss to the Men in Red cementing Chicago’s place at the bottom of the Eastern Conference table.

Kickoff will be 2:00pm CT and the game will be broadcast on NBC Sports.

Fire Open Home Schedule vs New England Revolution

Posted by Matthew Martin on March 8, 2013 at 11:43 am Chicago Fire, MLS, New England Revolution, United States

Mar 082013

The Chicago Fire (0-1-0; 0 points) return to the Windy City this week as they welcome the New England Revolution (0-0-0; 0 points) for Opening Night at Toyota Park this Saturday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. CT.

The Men in Red opened the 2013 season with a 4-0 loss to two-time defending MLS Cup Champion Los Angeles Galaxy at The Home Depot Center Sunday afternoon. A hat trick from Galaxy forward and Chicago, Ill. native Mike Magee and a goal from Galaxy captain Robbie Keane proved the difference as the Fire dropped the first match of the 2013 MLS season.

The March 9 match marks the earliest regular season home opener in the club’s 16 seasons, nearly two weeks earlier than last year’s 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union on March 24. The Fire are 9-3-3 all-time in their first match of the year in Chicago.

The Revolution, who enter the match after a bye this past weekend, went 2-3-1 in their preseason matches.

CHICAGO FIRE vs. New England Revolution Fact-sheet:

The Fire hold a 19-15-9 regular season record against the New England Revolution, including a dominating 11-4-6 record in matches played at home.
The Fire are 9-3-3 on Opening Day at home dating back to 1998. For only the third time in club history, the Fire will host a MLS home opener in the month of March.
The Fire are undefeated in home openers against the Revolution with a 2-0-3 record.
The Men in Red went 1-2-0 against the Revolution in the 2012 series. The Fire fell 2-0 at Gillette Stadium June 2 and 1-0 on Oct. 20. In the home leg of the series, Chris Rolfe converted an early penalty kick in the 5th minute and Sherjill MacDonald found his first goal in a Fire shirt in the 25th minute to lead the Fire to a 2-1 win Aug. 18.
Fire defender Steven Kinney appeared in his first MLS match Sunday since rupturing his Achilles at The Home Depot Center Oct. 23, 2010, the final match of his rookie season.
Arne Friedrich (hamstring) and Logan Pause (quad) were kept out of the match Sunday due to injury.
Jeff Larentowicz, Joel Lindpere, Dilly Duka, Maicon Santos and Yazid Atouba all made their debuts for the Men in Red against the Galaxy.
Larentowicz donned the armband in the stead of captain Logan Pause.
Selected by the Revolution in the fourth round (45th overall) in the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft, Larentowicz made 111 regular season appearances for the Revolution from 2005-2009. The Revolution reached MLS Cup in his first three seasons with the side.
Wells Thompson was drafted by the New England Revolution in the first round (fifth overall) of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft, and went on to make 71 regular season appearances in three seasons for the Revolution. In his rookie season, Thompson made 27 appearances and started 11 matches, then started all four post-season games for the Revs, including the 2007 MLS Cup final. Thompson made his MLS debut against the Fire on April 7, 2007. He also notched his first professional goal against the Men in Red on May 6, 2007.
Larentowicz and Thompson joined the Colorado Rapids in 2010 in a trade that sent recently-retired Fire defender Cory Gibbs to the New England Revolution.
Milford, Mass. product Michael Videira was selected in the second round (18th overall) in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft but elected to sign with Hamilton Academical of the Scottish Premier League. Videira returned to sign with the Revolution in 2009, making 12 appearances and notched a total of 973 minutes from 2009-10.

Sporting have a Chance To Secure Playoffs against rival Chicago

Posted by Brian Sanders on September 28, 2012 at 7:05 pm Blogs/Media, Chicago Fire, From the GFT Blogs, MLS, Sporting KC, United States

Sep 282012

In the long run for the MLS Supporters Shield, the only guarantee of hosting the MLS Cup Final under the new rules, the chances of making it are fading fast there can be a small redeeming factor in the beating of Kansas City’s rival Chicago.

Since 2007 Sporting has yet to defeat the Fire at home and that is a stain on a team’s reputation that says they to dominate the Eastern Conference. They seem to be a bogey team and they are looking to made the playoffs as well.

Out of the game are Teal Bunbury and Jacob Peterson due to injury and suspension respectively though a crucial member of the Fire’s line-up has cross the Atlantic since the last fixture, Guatemalan international Marco Pappa, who has joined Heerenveen of the Eredivisie.

Chicago has recently signed Guillermo Franco on a free transfer from Pachuca. While 35 he still has quality, though not of the always welcomed goal scoring kind. If he plays then Sporting will need their top Frenchman defender Aurelien Collin to take him head on.

Aside from players getting engaged, congrats Aurelien on that, Sporting entered their two game road trip with great anxiety but came away with four well deserved points against two teams in New York Red Bulls and Montreal Impact who are deeply involved in pushing for the playoffs.

The points gained will be crucial in this all important home fixture. Currently Chicago sits a mere two points behind Sporting KC with a game in hand. Talk about danger zone at Livestrong.

Not a good situation for Peter Vermes to be in.

Tonight is a must win so as to seal playoff spot and putting more distance between Sporting and the chasing teams.

Prediction: 1-0 Sporting off a Graham Zusi free-kick

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