A Frustrating Night: Chicago Fire v. DC United Review

By: Joe | August 30th, 2009

Unfortunately, Dasan Robinson cannot be the fall guy for this one. After his late heroics/ complete stupidity against Colorado, I can’t remember that last time that I wanted kiss something and kill it at the same time, I thought the Fire were in for a long night against DC United.

With only 3 healthy defenders, the Fire entrusted the LB duties to Mike Banner, the second year youngster who weighs maybe a buck-thirty and spends most of his time playing as an attacking midfielder. But Banner was not who I was worried about. The whole back line looked vulnerable.

I was wrong. Maybe it’s because DC has been horrible on the road as of recent but the Fire looked good. Service was excellent coming from Banner in the back who picked out Nyarko numerous times. Between Banner, Nyarko and Rolfe, the Fire were connecting very well and looking mighty threatening. Blanco did his usual of getting the ball, dancing around and losing the ball, but the fire worked well together and I thought that this could be our night to take top of the conference. But just when I thought the sun was smiling down, the reality of no Soumare, Conde, Segares or Ward hit like a ton of bricks as all of the Fire’s efforts were undone by poor marking off a set piece.

I have to admit, I thought the Fire would stage a comeback just like so many this season but the final third was again our Achilles heel. The most frustrating defeats against rivals are when you’ve been the better team all night but still come away with nothing. DC was stubborn defensively and well organized and the Fire just couldn’t put that final ball through or take the shot, and that was the difference between 0-1 and 3-1.

3 things to take from the game:

–Blanco just doesn’t cut it anymore. He had three beautiful looks on goal from dead balls and failed to put a single one on frame. He gave the ball up too easily and left huge holes in the midfield that Pause cannot fill himself.

–More Fire attackers need to play think like Chris Rolfe. Rolfe is the only player on the roster who’s first thought when receiving the ball is taking a shot and will do it! Too often do we try and pass the ball into the net and someone’s got to step up and test from outside the 18.

–Dennis Hamlett needs to think harder about his subs. Dimitrov is not a difference maker. Calen Carr has way more experience, speed and flare needed to spark the offense in the final minutes.