I Wish I Had a Crystal Ball

By: Matthew | September 2nd, 2009

I have heard it said by multiple sources and also believe it myself that this year will be the Fire’s best chance at winning a championship for quite some time. While searching for contract information on the Fire (if someone knows where I can find it, I would be very happy), I came across this article. This really sums up some of my biggest fears about next season.

Soumare to Boulogne, Pappa back to Municipal, Rolfe and Segares contracts are up, Prideaux is retiring, McBride and Blanco are aging and each has a rumor of retiring or moving to Europe or Mexico respectively. With the possible and actual losses to the team, we open up significant cap space, but this also means we will have to bring in half of an entirely new “First Team” to keep our pace. We do have one of the deepest benches in the league, but just because it is deep, doesn’t mean that they can all replace the top class talent that is leaving.

I really want to be optimistic and say that the Fire will be MLS Cup and Supporters Shield contenders each year, but I think next year will be a real test if we lose a majority of the players listed above. However in the linked article, Hamlett said the following:

“We want to win the championship and that’s our focus,” Hamlett said. “We aren’t worried about next year or what’s going to happen in the offseason. I think we have the team to do it, and I don’t think anybody is going to overlook us.”

I think this is blind confidence, not actual sense. Although he also says he thinks there will not be a mass exodus from the team, we are still going to lose key players from key positions. If Blanco does leave, we lose his ability to play great balls to the forwards which has been a major part of our attack. We have done well without McBride, but his dominance always helps up top. Soumare was my favorite and probably the Fire’s best defender which makes me happy to see him getting the recognition he deserves, but I’m sad to see him leave. Pappa has really been a thrill to watch this season; he plays great balls, dribbles well and also has a solid shot. I can see him becoming a more mobile version of Blanco considering he has a long time to develop since he is only 21. Rolfe and Segares solidify both ends of the field, arguably one of the best at each of their positions.

What needs to happen is Hamlett has to find some diamonds in the rough. There really aren’t that many players, well professional soccer players, who are lying in bed dreaming about playing for the Fire. We should have plenty of cap space open, and possibly a DP spot as well. If we can fill all that, we should still be at the top of the table come next year. We also need to start giving the “Second Team” more time in preparation for next season. This has been happening a lot with the massive amount of injuries suffered as of late. Banner has been playing a lot, and well. So has Dimitrov, although he has yet to impress me. Others which fit this category include but are not limited to Hussidic, Lowry, and Washington. The more they play, the better our team can be next year.

However, I think it is very optimistic to think all “Second Team” players will find that extra boost to make it consistently to the “First Team” and find and sign the necessary talent we will need. By no means do I think we will make a NYRB-esque plunge into disgust (HAHA JCO!!), but we do have quite a bit of grounds to make up. Your thoughts?