Verdict: Inconclusive
By: Tom | August 5th, 2007The frenzy we Fire fans had whipped ourselves up into since the arrival of Osorio, Blanco and Wanchope was always likely to lead to expectations beyond what a still-recovering team can produce just yet. And that was the case yesterday.
It was slightly deflating to see our forward line again consist of Barrett and Carr, who were once more unconvincing as a pairing. At least Carr tried to come back and hold up the ball, even though it’s something he’s entirely unsuited to do; I’m not sure what Barrett was doing at all. And the midfield lacked creativity.
The impressive crowd of 20,358 certainly livened up every time Blanco had the ball, and though he had a quiet first half, his strength and touch were still mightily refreshing to see. He was notably better once Wanchope and Rolfe came on in the second half: one could almost sense his added vitality, as he had people worth actually sending incisive passes to. And he did send one to Wanchope in the 84th minute: the Costa Rican latched on to it well, but his shot was weak, and surely betrayed his rustiness. He looked very powerful out there, and I still expect to produce when fully fit and more experienced with the team.
I also realised how much I’d missed Chris Rolfe. He might have done nothing spectacular, but his movement was excellent, and he also oozes a touch of class above the likes of regular MLS fare whenever he’s healthy. Welcome back, Chris. Now stay healthy. The twenty minutes of Blanchopolfe were heartening.
The Fire did look shaky at the back, with Pickens forced into a couple of outstanding saves. Dasan Robinson was strong, but CJ Brown really looked his age, unfortantately. As much as the Fire have done well to upgrade their forwards, another strong defender is surely still needed.
What did you think of the game?
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Comments
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I was very frustrated that the Fire could not score. The atmosphere on the other hand was electric!! I sat in section 108 with a microcosm of Fire fans. A few rows up were a group of diehards who had Razov jerseys and a few rows back sat a group of Mexican Americans who asked me who Razov was. We were all jeering like crazy when Blanco touched the ball. We actually did the wave! I think we all need to be patient as it will all come together soon. Do not forget one Justin Mapp coming back soon.
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United States
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I didn’t see it but have to admit to being, well, shocked shocked that Chicago was blanked by the Crew. Highlights on FSC made it seem like both keepers had spectacular games but what’s the use of shelling out for guys like Blanco & Wanchope if they’re not going to score?
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United States -
Stephen, why were you jeering Blanco?
Tim – well, Wanchope did not play for very long and it was his first game. Blanco had a very good shot that just missed, and could easily have had two assist had his forwards been competent/fully fit. It’s a bit early to criticise them too much, isn’t it?
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United States -
Having attended a game in the pre-Blanco era, this week I am happy that there is some passion back in The Toyota. The game I attended was a lifeless unpassionate afair that brought me to moments of depression after month of anticipation. Blanco I salute you for bringing some soul back to a lifeless shell. VIVA FUEGO…
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United States -
While Rolfe did not have much time to do much, I think you noticed the same play I did–on the left just on the outside of the penalty box, Rolfe got the ball. He had a defender in front of him and two coming back. He avoided the lane that the front defender tried to suck him into, cut back, played the ball a little until he passed it to someone at the top of the box who had a better shot than he did. In that moment, I remembered why he’s good: he has presence of mind, he’s smart, he’s quick.
In the first half, Columbus could just key in on Blanco because no one else was doing much creating. Three guys swarmed him every time he had the ball.
The nice thing about getting Rolfe (and later Mapp) back is that teams won’t be able to swarm just one guy, but will be stretched to deal with all three of them, not to mention defending Wanchope. The intelligence that these four gentlemen bring to the field will make our team that much more potent.
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United States -
Fuegofan, that’s exactly what I was thinking of. Not to diss most MLS players, but he has an uncommon awareness of the game for the league (and, dare I say it, for an American).
And I agree, if other teams still hone in on Blanco, it’ll be huge that we have other creative options coming back.
Posted from
United States
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