2008 Fire Season in Review
While many blogs, websites and magazines attempt to kick start their series of publications with a look to the future, the Far Post will start with a glance to the past. The Chicago Fire’s 2008 season was one of ups and down that only a “recovering” drug addict could relate to. While a third place finish overall, 11 shy of leaders Columbus, would be cause for celebration, there are a number of very worrying aspects to the Fire’s behind the scenes antics. A lack of consistency and countless miss opportunities have given the fans a fleeting notion of a paradise lost.
Having started the season in strong form, taking twenty points out of a possibly thirty in their first ten matches, the Fire hit a major mid summer skid. Winning impressively against the champions-to-be Columbus Crew 3-2 at home, the Fire took only a single point towards the regular season from the entire month of June.
During this period, many have both praised new Fire coach Dennis Hamlet. Though his critics were not far behind, as his lack of creativity on the field and an over obvious favoritism towards a certain number of players made for some surprising lineups.
The play of Mexican international and Chicago designated player Cuauhtemoc Blanco is without a doubt one of these areas. Blanco, a legend in his own right, made a direct impact on the Fire’s success early in his career, however has, as many may recall, a very “enthusiastic” and feisty on-field persona. His extra time goal away at Real Salt Lake in the season opener helped to solidify his place among the Fire’s starting XI- as if it were up for grabs.
The 2007 MVP runner-up had been paid the second highest salary, behind only that of David Beckham, however as the season progressed, his erratic style of play lead many to question his constant inclusion.
At the same time however, many questioned the obvious absence of Polish international Tomasz Frankowski. Frankowski, who had signed with Wolverhampton, was at the time on load to Tenerife. Hearing of Mick McCarthy’s desire to let him go, the Fire soon pounced on the opportunity to acquire the thirty four year old, however a very public dismay of Hamlet’s coaching style may have led to his exclusion, even from the Fire’s reserves.
Many saw Frankowski as the answer to the Fire’s plaguing question on offense. Though with only 2 goals in seventeen appearances, it might have been the better option as the striker’s percentage of the salary cap was decidedly far too great to keep him on board.
While Frankowski was spending time on the bench, the Fire experimented with a number of individuals up front, playing a game of musical chairs if you will. Before the return of Arlington Heights native Brian McBride, Hamlet rotated in Chad Barrett, Calen Carr, Patrick Nyarko and Andy Herron. At time, leading scorer Chris Rollfe was added into the mix, however he eventually settled in with an attacking midfield role.
Another notable exclusion was 23 year old Paraguyan Linder Marmol. Marmol, was signed from the Red Bulls reserves in July. The defender who had fielded trial offers from a number of English league sides, only made two appearances all year, making his debut in the Open Cup versus Cleveland.
Fortunately enough for the Fire, it would seem that defending was the least of their problems. Goalkeeper Jon Busch, who had replaced last season’s number 1 Matt Pickens, stunned the league with an impressive 78.2 save percentage. The New York native, who had a somewhat lackluster career before this season due to a number of ailing injuries, was named MLS goalkeeper of the year and Fire MVP.
In front of Busch was probably the quickest and most effective defensive line in the MLS. Having allowed only 33 goals against all season, second only to Houston’s 32, the Fire, while having worries in midfield and offense, was able to rely on heavily on their back four for a large part of the season.
Wing defender Brandon Prideaux, who was taken from waivers to solely occupy the right side, was partnered with Malian Bakary Soumare. Together with a combination of William Conde, Diego Gutierrez and Gonzalo Segares, the back line allowed for a possibly overly defensive style of play, which helped the Fire at the start of the season.
Unfortunately however, it seems as if the overreliance on Busch and his back stops only allowed for mediocre finishing and ultimately their demise, especially with a number of low scoring affairs midway though.
With the inability to recover from a deficit, Hamlet had built a group with a very efficient spine, however it would seem that down the stretch, it would be their lack of offense that saw them in.
All said, the Fire have a very bright outlook for the 2009 season. They have been thus far mum as to who will be put on waivers, traded, sold and acquired, but with the retirement of Diego Gutierrez and the aging of both McBride and Blano, the Fire are in desperate need of a viable reserve defender and a partner for McBride. It is unknown how long the former Fulham captain will play in the MLS before him impending retirement as well, however if Hamlet is indeed interested in getting the most out of his star striker, then it would be imperative that he sign a more agile playmaker upfront and allow for a supporting cast to compliment the likes of Blanco and Rolfe.
Peter Herrnreiter
