Fire lose; fire Dave?
By: Tom | June 10th, 2007Yesterday, the Fire lost 1-0 to Chivas USA at home. The Fire mustered up three shots, one on target. There was no stage of the game where I felt Chicago had even the slightest idea of how to break down the opposition. I even refrained from posting after the game yesterday, so as not to write something unfathomably bitter.
In the cold light of day, there remain certain mitigating circumstances to report regarding the loss, including the fact the Fire did not have available (and have not had for most of the season) their three international class attackers: Blanco (joins us next month), Mapp (on Gold Cup duty), Rolfe (injured, and apparently out a further 6-8 weeks).
Up front in lieu of those, Chad Barrett was, I’m afraid, miserable. He’s either dropping far too deep to pick up the ball or dribbling it into a wall of defenders. I know he looks a bit like Wayne Rooney, but he’s nowhere near talented or experienced enough to be trying those things. Meanwhile, my view is that Calen Carr really needs to be out on the wings utilising his pace and learning MLS without the pressure of playing up top. Or maybe he should be in the reserves learning his trade, though one can’t blame him for being on the field.
The front office knew we’d be missing Rolfe, Mapp and Blanco for much of the season, though I suppose given the salary cap situation in MLS, it is tricky to procure experienced backups cheaply. And Sarachan of course is not to blame for having unavailable an awful lot of attacking talent. Unfortunately, I think the team looks lost on the field and that’s usually an indication the coach is having internal problems motivating and organising his men. The question is whether he can hang on by his fingernails long enough for the return of Mapp and Rolfe, the arrival of Blanco, and hopefully even the addition of Marcelo Salas soon.
After all, if the Fire doesn’t put a deal together for Salas, and we continue this run of insipid attacking form, the pressure might even move a little higher up the chain than Dave Sarachan. The Fire are averaging one goal per game for the season, and anyone who watched yesterday’s performance might feel even that number is a minor miracle. I don’t know if the Fire should fire Dave Sarachan or not, but I do know they need to reinforce the team to keep us from performances like yesterday being repeated, and to keep the fans sane.
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Comments
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Signing Salas is getting more important by the minute, but despite the loss, I didn’t think Saturday was as poor an effort as some of our other losses. The defense played pretty spectacularly, save that one slip by Robinson, and since I’ve been worried about how we cope with the increased pace of play this season, that’s a significant accomplishment.
And Chivas only got 2 shots on goal, so the shot margin is misleading. Plus, corner kicks aren’t indicative of anything anymore.
What I’m wondering is if we were able to keep pace with a quicker team in spite of playing so many young, inexperienced players, or because of it.
Finally, I want to give Plotkin plus Oliveira another couple of games together in the midfield, because I think that those two getting on the same wavelength might resolve some of our creativity issues.
Somehow I keep missing all the high-attendance matches at TP. Not sure how that keeps happening.
Posted from
United States
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Good points. I agree the defense looked more solid, so that is a point against any claim Sarachan has lost the team.
Though I still find it hard to watch a team looking so clueless going forward repeatedly.
I think you’re right Plotkin and Oliveira are worth persevering with together, perhaps that will help, as you say. Patience, anyone?
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I fear, my good friend, that you continue to find reasons to keep the scab on my body that is Dave Sarachan.
As we all know wounds heal when the scab gets picked off and the wound is given new air thus regenerating the skin beneath.
Sadly you noticed the boil on my right fore arms that seems to be developing – we’ll call it “Guppy.”
So – to refresh:
Scab = Sarachan
Fire = Team that needs new air to heal
Biol = Guppy (hate to have to cut that out)To many excuses Tom for all three moving parts here.
Here is my humble suggestion if I were to be “the decider” (small Bush laugh)
Remove entire Sarachan Staff and Sarachan himself. Hire new Coach (anyone now will do). Walk into the first team meeting and let each and every part of “La Maquina Roja” that Monday – Friday’s training session is ostensibly an open try out for the next match.
Don’t like it? Go talk to Mo Johnston.
If the Fire continue to perform like the did against Chivas and the Mgmt don’t make a change I suggest that all of us in Section 8 boycott an upcoming match.
As Elvis Costello says:
“I can’t stand up for falling down”Posted from
United States -
Lincoln – yes, I feared you would be disappointed. I guess one thing that makes me hesitate is whether anyone more inspirational would really be hired to replace him. What do you think?
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United States -
We (crew) will trade you Sigi if you give us Bush back.
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United States -
Sigi Schmidt is less inspirational than DS.
I think its time for an MLS team to use its designated player spot $ to go to Europe and hire a decent manager.
I think Sven Goren Erickson is looking for a job – he would be inspirational.
Oh —- I see I just woke from a dream.
Seriously though how about a youngster in the Kreis mold. I bet we could lure John Harkes away for whatever rock he’s crawled under. Harkes always showed passion, no BS and although he played for Arena (who I loathe), and a zeal for winning.
I could write a laundry list of negatives for DS but I can’t even type his name I’m so PO’d right now.
Posted from
United States
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