The Fire go into Week Four of
the 2011 MLS campaign, 1-0-1, coming off a 2-1 win over 2010 MLS Cup winners
Colorado Rapids in a U.S. Open Cup play-in match last week. Despite their early
success and good form, there are plenty of those that doubt if Carlos de los
Cobos’ young Fire team are the real thing.
What can be said for certain,
is that this year’s group is much more energetic, dynamic and entertaining to
watch than last year’s Men-in-Red.
The cause of the Fire’s early success is based on organizational
improvements, coaching and, of course, the players.
Organizationally: Andrew Hauptman has been quoted in the press that one of his goals is
the professionalization of the office staff. Most notably, the Fire have created two liaison positions
for the players. Formal Player
Liaisons are new to the Fire
organization and serve an important purpose: they take care of all of the practical
and logistical aspects of moving to a new team and new city, so the players can
focus on putting their best on the field.
After seeing countless young talents and foreign saviors fail to settle
into the city and find their form on the field, I will attest that this may be
one of the single most important organizational improvements implemented at
Hauptman’s directive.
Coaching: Although I am not privy to the inner workings of de los
Cobos and company, it is evident that whatever it is they are saying is falling
on receptive ears. The makeup of the group lends itself to what we are seeing
on the field, which is selfless teamwork and tireless effort in every position.
There are no entrenched or entitled stars in this team, yet. Yes, Logan Pause is the undisputed
leader and mainstay in the starting eleven, but his personality is the antithesis
of a prima donna, and is a perfect fit for leading this group of youngsters who
are all eager to impress the
staff, each other and get into the lineup. The team’s on-field commitment to
run for each other is evident and another reason for their early good form.
The Players: Diego Chaves and Gaston Puerari are the talk of the
town. They are doing what it is
strikers are suppose to do, SCORE GOALS. Better yet, they demonstrate the
willingness and ability to work off the ball, qualities that will be all the
more important when they eventually enter the inevitable “dry spell.” Although we haven’t seen his best yet,
Patrick Nyarko will be a threat this year and Marco Pappa’s qualities as a
play-maker and goal scorer are undeniable.
Saturday’s game at Seattle
presents a chance for the Fire to quell the remaining doubters and establish
themselves as one of the stronger sides in the early part of the MLS
season. Despite the Sounders early
offensive drought, by no means is the Sounder offense impotent. If healthy, Fredy Montero will present
a challenge for the Fire defense and midfield due to his tendency to drop back
into the midfield and run at players.
Montero, in combination with O’Brian White’s speed and power up front
will be a challenge, with similar characteristics to the KC attack with Teal Bunbury,
that the Fire saw in the second half of their last MLS match vs. Sporting KC
two weeks ago. Steve Zakuani
presents the greatest threat to the Fire.
Despite moving back to a 4-4-2, the Fire flanks may be exploited by
Zakuani’s speed and ability to get passed defenders.
Based on past performances
and the early character of this team, I see the Fire excited to show their
wares in front of a huge crowd anticipating an explosion of goals from the home
side. I expect the Fire to show
well, quiet the Seattle fans, and come away with at least a point in a game
with the potential for lots offensive action.
