A few days ago I made a bold prediction on behalf of the Fire that looked for a 3-1 victory from the Men in Red. My prediction was based upon my hope that Chicago would snap their ways that has seen them fail to finish solid scoring opportunities, as well as the fact that they were playing Chivas USA. While not intending to take anything away from Chivas, it’s pretty widely accepted that when you face Chivas, you’re coming into a winnable game.
That didn’t happen for the Fire. Again.
Chicago entered the game riding an eight game unbeaten streak, as the team hasn’t fallen in MLS play since facing Philadelphia Union on May 21st. While in most cases, that would be an overwhelmingly positive sign, the Fire, as well as Fire fans are becoming increasingly uneasy over the squad’s run of draws. It’s worth noting that, with last night’s draw against Chivas, Chicago brings themselves within two draws of the all-time record of 14 set last season by FC Dallas. FC Dallas, who rode an impressive unbeaten streak themselves, found their play good enough to take them all the way to the MLS Cup, where they fell just short of winning at the hands of the Colorado Rapids. For Chicago, however, it’s a different type of draw.
No one will dispute that Chicago isn’t fighting, especially when they find themselves down in a match. The team will scratch and claw, and has found a way in recent months to bring themselves level in any match they’ve trailed. What they’ve also done, however, has been to surrender goals while retaining a lead against their opponent, either through sloppy play, failed markings, or a lax attitude while holding a lead. It was no surprise to Fire fans, then, when Chivas came out in the second half of Saturday night’s match and equalized against the Fire within the first two minutes.
Chicago entered the match against Chivas knowing they needed to win. Chivas came in feeling the same, as they were riding a three game losing streak, and looked to change the tone in the locker room and amongst the team by holding closed-door training through the week in preparation for their battle against Chicago.
Chicago came out in the first half looking strong. They controlled play, and possessed the ball for the majority of the first 25 minutes. Chicago was able to release forward-turned-winger-turned-forward Dominic Oduro no less than four times in that span on screaming breaks up the field that nearly resulted in goals. Finally, in the 26th minute, Oduro was again released up the wing, this time taking on two defenders who struggled to catch him, as he streaked into the box and slotted a pinpoint strike to the far post and past Chivas GK Dan Kennedy. Things were looking up, and it seemed Chicago was exhibiting the form that would help them break the monotony and turn their season around as they entered the second half of the 2011 campaign.
That wouldn’t last, though.
After Oduro’s goal, Chicago seemed to shut down. Chivas began to control possession, as well as creating scoring chances for themselves, although Sean Johnson and the Chicago defense were equal to the task. Chivas spent most of the remaining twenty minutes of the first half shutting down Chicago, while creating and keeping pressure on the Fire going into the half.
The second half began much the same as the first had ended, with one horrible exception. In the 47th minute, Michael Lahoud’s build up would find itself at the feet of Nick LaBrocca, who would collect the ball, and while bouncing volleyed a shot at goal that would find its way past Sean Johnson. The shot, while not as dynamic as the goal scored against Chicago by the Union’s Carlos Ruiz, was eerily similar to the Union goal, and found a Chicago defense giving LaBrocca far too much space in front of the box, which he gladly capitalized on.
Chicago would continue to struggle to build up any momentum after the Chivas’ equalizer. Yamith Cuesta, who had another rough outing after surrendering the mistake that lead to a goal in the previous game against the Red Bulls, had to be subbed out due to cramping in the second half, replaced by Josip Mikulic. Similarly, Baggio Husidic would start in place of the suspended Daniel Paladini, who sat out Saturday due to yellow card accumulation. Saturday’s game would have been a homecoming for Paladini, who previously played for Chivas and has family in LA. Paladini’s play in the middle was a definite void, as he has played more effectively next to Logan Pause than any other central mid. The Fire will surely benefit from his return against the Galaxy next week.
Offensively, Frank Klopas put Diego Chaves and Dominic Oduro up top together. Oduro and Chaves have had their issues playing side by side up top, but the two played well together during the opening minutes of the match. Chaves seems to be getting more comfortable in a withdrawn forward roll, as he often seemed to drop back into the midfield to assist in offensive build ups. Chaves’ drop into the midfield, however, often pushed Husidic forward, a move that didn’t seem to be a worthy trade off.
On the wings, Marco Pappa seemed to struggle most of the game until being subbed midway through the second half, while Patrick Nyarko continues to hassle defenses with his play on the left wing. Nyarko’s downfall most of the time last night, however, was his penchant for trying to split two defenders on the wing more than once, nearly every attempt resulting in a turnover in possession. Nyarko needs to try to streak down the wing in those situations, using his speed to his advantage, so he can serve the ball into the box and give the crashing forwards a chance to put an attempt on goal.
Chicago has, for the most part, solidified their defense. While Cuesta has had a rough few games that may dictate a switch back to Josip Mikulic next to Gibbs in the central defense, the rest of the defense works hard and gives the opposing offense a difficult time scoring. Goals are going to be surrendered, without a doubt, but Chicago has done well at minimizing damage in that regard; one of the bright spots of the season to be sure.
Chicago’s offense needs answers, however. Dominic Oduro, picked up in a trade with Houston for Calen Carr, has been a wonderful addition to the club. While detractors will point out that Oduro still has issues with finishing chances, one cannot deny that of any offensive threat on the Fire, Oduro is creating chances far and above any of his offensive teammates. Diego Chaves seems to still struggle to find his place in Chicago’s offense, although his withdrawn role seems to suit him more now than in previous matches. Chaves is becoming nominally more sure-footed, although he still seems to have some occasional issues when the ball arrives at his feet. Patrick Nyarko and Marco Pappa are both stalwarts of the wing position, although Pappa is still showing the signs of fatigue from the Gold Cup tournament, as well as taking a knock to his knee against New York.
Chicago needs to find answers offensively. The insertion of Daniel Paladini back into the lineup on Saturday will improve the attacking central mid position, and it’s a likelihood that if Cuesta didn’t sub out, we would have seen Corben Bone come in for Husidic. Bone has shown himself worthy of playing time for the Fire, making a positive impact every time he steps on the pitch. Why he didn’t get the start Saturday against Chivas was a mystery to many, but it seems sure that he will get his chance in coming matches.
The bottom line for the Fire is that they’ve learned how to not lose. The problem is that they have to learn how to win. Hopefully they can make a positive showing when they travel back to Home Depot Center next weekend against the Galaxy. The Fire has a USOC match in July against New York, as well as a Friendly against Manchester United, for which they’ve sold over 50,000 tickets. As the only road game in the month of July, it would be a great turnaround for Chicago to come into HDC next week and spoil things for the Galaxy, and begin some winning ways that has eluded them nearly all season.
Image courtesy of Getty Images
