Dallas Preview

By: irish_steve | September 20th, 2008

The Fire come into this game on the back of their worst performance of the season against Colorado last weekend. With the playoff’s just around the corner this is not the time to be in a slump and the Fire will be looking to do that against a Dallas team that if fighting for their playoff lives. Perhaps the most surprising and disappointing thing for the Fire has been their poor performances at home. The 1-0 win over New York in the last home game was only the Fires 5th win at home in the league all season. In the past away teams coming into Chicago would always be happy to leave with a point but this season away teams come in expecting a win. It is critical that the Fire pick up 3 points if they want to stay in touch with Columbus and New England. Everyone connected with the Fire wants to avoid another playoff clash with New England and to have any chance of doing that the Fire have to finish the season strong.

On the field, the Fire will be missing Bakay through suspension and Marco Pappa through injury. With Bakay out the big question will be who starts in his place? Marmol hasn’t seen enough playing time to be considered so the obvious choice to partner Conde would be Diego who has plenty of experience playing center back. Sega should return at left back and the ever-present Prideaux will take his place on the right side of the defense. In midfield the only change I see will be the return of Mapp or Mike Banner to the left replacing Stephen King. King has been brilliant so far in his rookie season but playing him on the wing is a waste and hasn’t worked. He is a central midfielder by trade and there is no sense in playing him out of position. I expect Mapp to get the nod but Mike Banner is also knocking of the door.

Blanco has looked very sluggish over the past few months and the Fire need him to improve his performances dramatically. Blanco’s bad passing in the last few games has really stood out and many of his wayward passes have led to counter attacks from the opposing team. The fact that Blanco never tracks back also puts massive pressure on Logan Pause in the engine room and John Thorrington who has to come inside to cover for Blanco. In attack, the partnership of Rolfe and McBride still needs time to gel but the Fire need to start playing to each of the striker’s strengths. Too many times in the Colorado game a through ball was played to McBride who obviously doesn’t have the legs to catch up with it. Blanco and co. need to play more through balls to Rolfe who can be deadly in the box. McBride’s obvious strength is in the air but how many times have we seen a cross into the box that picks him out?

Prediction: 1-0 Fire. If we can shut down Kenny Cooper and maintain some type of shape then out quality will be too much for Dallas.