We only had a taste of what Steven King was capable of (2 regular season goals and just a few more appearances off the bench). But we'll have to watch him develop on TV from now on; King was left unprotected by the Fire and the Seattle Sounders selected him in the expansion draft.
The Fire left Brandon Prideux (sp), Woolard, Frankowski, Heron, Carr, Marmol, Banner and (wait for it) Marco Papa all unprotected (and several others of course). Probably the only surprises on that list were Prideux (still sp) and, maybe Papa. Hamlet chose to protect Desan Robinson instead and leave the veteran defender open. In the midfield, Pause was protected instead of the young sensation Papa.
Hamlet also protected Rolfe, Conde, Sumare, Blanco, McBride, Thorington (made an international appearance the other day), Mapp, Gonzo, and Bushy as well. No surprises there.
Farewell King and good Luck.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Ticket Prices are Going.....Down?!
Yes, apparently the Chicago Fire have decided to take advantage of three very successful seasons at Toyota Park by NOT sticking it to the season ticket holders. That's right, no ticket price increase - no seat licensing schemes - in short, nothing we have all come to expect from local teams (who shall remain unnamed, but who's Greek name is Ursus).
In fact, the team claims to have recently completed a detailed examination of customers and the market, and concluded they could reward season ticket holders by reducing the ticket prices in the circle of fire section - which is where we sit in section 108.
Long story short, this year we paid $1680 for our tickets. In 2009, the fire apparently will ask for $1400.
And here I thought I couldn't get any more pleased with our decision to become Fire season ticket holders...
Well, I'm supposed to be working and getting ready to fly. Later everyone. I'll be in touch soon regarding tickets for next year so start thinking about what you want.
In fact, the team claims to have recently completed a detailed examination of customers and the market, and concluded they could reward season ticket holders by reducing the ticket prices in the circle of fire section - which is where we sit in section 108.
Long story short, this year we paid $1680 for our tickets. In 2009, the fire apparently will ask for $1400.
And here I thought I couldn't get any more pleased with our decision to become Fire season ticket holders...
Well, I'm supposed to be working and getting ready to fly. Later everyone. I'll be in touch soon regarding tickets for next year so start thinking about what you want.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
No Joy in Fireville...
The outlook wasn't brilliant for the Fire Eleven that day;
The score stood two to one, with but one minute more to play,
And then when Prideaux subbed out first, and Gonzo did the same,
A sickly silence fell upon the Supporters at the game.
A straggling few got up to go in deep despair. The rest
Clung to that hope which springs eternal in the human breast;
They thought, if only Cuantemo could get but a whack, that’s all-
We'd put up even money, now, if Temo had the ball.
But Thorington took a shot, and so did old McBride,
And the former was a lofter and the latter to the side;
So upon that stricken multitude there sat a deathly pall,
For there seemed but little chance of Temo's getting to the ball.
But the ref did call a foul, to the wonderment of all,
And Mapp, the much despised, stood to again restart the ball;
And when the dust had lifted, and the bench saw what had occurred,
Dennis Hamlet raised the call to use a sub, this time his third.
Then from 5,000 throats and more there rose a lusty yell;
It rumbled through the valley, it rattled in the dell;
It knocked upon the mountain and recoiled up every ditch,
For Papa, Marco Papa, was advancing to the pitch.
There was ease in Marco's manner as he stepped into his place;
There was pride in Marco's bearing and a smile on Marco's face.
And when, responding to the cheers, he raised his thumb and winked,
Then Marco took his place with his teammates on the brink.
Ten thousand eyes were on them as they faced up to the Crew;
Five million more were watching thanks to ESPN two.
Then while Lexi Lalas babbled on and Harkes tried to be hip,
Defiance gleamed in Blanco’s eye, a sneer curled Conde's lip.
And now the leather-covered sphere came hurtling through the air,
And Blanco stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there.
Close by the sturdy striker the ball unheeded sped-
Past the scrambling defense went and onto McBride’s head!
From the benches, red with people, there went up a muffled roar,
Like the beating of the storm-waves on a stern and distant shore.
"Kill it! Kill the ball!" shouted someone on the stand;
And it's likely he'd a-killed it had the ref not raised his hand.
Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;
But there is no joy in Fireville— regulation time had run out.
The score stood two to one, with but one minute more to play,
And then when Prideaux subbed out first, and Gonzo did the same,
A sickly silence fell upon the Supporters at the game.
A straggling few got up to go in deep despair. The rest
Clung to that hope which springs eternal in the human breast;
They thought, if only Cuantemo could get but a whack, that’s all-
We'd put up even money, now, if Temo had the ball.
But Thorington took a shot, and so did old McBride,
And the former was a lofter and the latter to the side;
So upon that stricken multitude there sat a deathly pall,
For there seemed but little chance of Temo's getting to the ball.
But the ref did call a foul, to the wonderment of all,
And Mapp, the much despised, stood to again restart the ball;
And when the dust had lifted, and the bench saw what had occurred,
Dennis Hamlet raised the call to use a sub, this time his third.
Then from 5,000 throats and more there rose a lusty yell;
It rumbled through the valley, it rattled in the dell;
It knocked upon the mountain and recoiled up every ditch,
For Papa, Marco Papa, was advancing to the pitch.
There was ease in Marco's manner as he stepped into his place;
There was pride in Marco's bearing and a smile on Marco's face.
And when, responding to the cheers, he raised his thumb and winked,
Then Marco took his place with his teammates on the brink.
Ten thousand eyes were on them as they faced up to the Crew;
Five million more were watching thanks to ESPN two.
Then while Lexi Lalas babbled on and Harkes tried to be hip,
Defiance gleamed in Blanco’s eye, a sneer curled Conde's lip.
And now the leather-covered sphere came hurtling through the air,
And Blanco stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there.
Close by the sturdy striker the ball unheeded sped-
Past the scrambling defense went and onto McBride’s head!
From the benches, red with people, there went up a muffled roar,
Like the beating of the storm-waves on a stern and distant shore.
"Kill it! Kill the ball!" shouted someone on the stand;
And it's likely he'd a-killed it had the ref not raised his hand.
Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;
But there is no joy in Fireville— regulation time had run out.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Needs and Update, but Still A Good Watch for Today...
Depending on your personal aesthetics, you might find this a bit, umm, macho. But with the playoffs here and the season riding on tomorrows game, this sort of thing is just what's needed to get the blood flowing as we all prepare to cheer our Fire on to victory and the MLS CUP!
Fire Watch Party...
Hey, it turns out that Quigley's Irish Pub in Naperville is an official Fire Bar! I had no idea. In case you don't know, Quigley's is the bar on Jefferson directly across the street from the middle/upper deck entrance to the Jefferson Street/Chicago Street Parking Garage. So, its on the north side of Jefferson, just east of Washington, which is one block south of the North Central College campus.
Looks like we are going to need to plan a watch party or two next year! Fire go Bragh!
Looks like we are going to need to plan a watch party or two next year! Fire go Bragh!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Book Ends....
4:00 pm - Tania and I leave from home to start our drive to Toyota Park and the second leg meeting between the beloved Fire and the hated Revolution. And there, like a sign from God, is a perfect rainbow in the sky, stretching from one horizon all the way to the other.
To paraphrase Genesis, "And God did set his bow in the cloud as a token of his covenant, that never again should New England prevail over the Fire in the playoffs..."
Yes, when we saw that sign, we knew that our curse was broken, and the Fire would defeat the Revs, finally.
So on to the game, and what a game. Those who have been paying attention to this blog will remember our posting for the very first game of the 2008 season (and the film that went with it). Cold, rainy, and Fire 3 - New England 0.
Well, here is the film from the Final home game of 2008....
Look familiar? Yes, a perfect bookend to the season! Fire start off with Revs 3-0 (cold and raining Thursday) and end with Revs 3-0 (cold and raining Thursday). Alas, yes, that was the final home game of 2008, because on Saturday the Crew advanced to the finals, which means we will need to Travel to Columbus for the next game and then on to California for the MLS Cup.
But what a game it was. The crowd was loud and fired up. The beer was cold. My seat was wet. What more could you ask for? GOALS! Rolfe (we're not worthy!), Conde (striking home a header with his sloping Neanderthal forehead!) and Gonzo (he even had the dramatic sense to foreshadow his goal in the first half!)!! If you missed it, watch again....
Yes, believe it! We're going all the way to the MLS Cup and we're bringing it home!!
To paraphrase Genesis, "And God did set his bow in the cloud as a token of his covenant, that never again should New England prevail over the Fire in the playoffs..."
Yes, when we saw that sign, we knew that our curse was broken, and the Fire would defeat the Revs, finally.
So on to the game, and what a game. Those who have been paying attention to this blog will remember our posting for the very first game of the 2008 season (and the film that went with it). Cold, rainy, and Fire 3 - New England 0.
Well, here is the film from the Final home game of 2008....
Look familiar? Yes, a perfect bookend to the season! Fire start off with Revs 3-0 (cold and raining Thursday) and end with Revs 3-0 (cold and raining Thursday). Alas, yes, that was the final home game of 2008, because on Saturday the Crew advanced to the finals, which means we will need to Travel to Columbus for the next game and then on to California for the MLS Cup.
But what a game it was. The crowd was loud and fired up. The beer was cold. My seat was wet. What more could you ask for? GOALS! Rolfe (we're not worthy!), Conde (striking home a header with his sloping Neanderthal forehead!) and Gonzo (he even had the dramatic sense to foreshadow his goal in the first half!)!! If you missed it, watch again....
Yes, believe it! We're going all the way to the MLS Cup and we're bringing it home!!
We're on a mission from God.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Who's Next?!
Wondering if there's a chance we might see another playoff game yet this year? Well, here's the poop.
After the Fire crush New England Thursday (positive visualization), we do indeed have a chance for hosting another game at Toyota park.
The winner of the NE/Chicago series will go up against the winner of the Columbus/KC series. Since our record is better than KC's record, if KC beats the Crew Saturday, we (having destroyed NE in a game that will become legend) will play KC at Toyota Park.
Tickets will go onsale Monday.
Anyone Interested?
After the Fire crush New England Thursday (positive visualization), we do indeed have a chance for hosting another game at Toyota park.
The winner of the NE/Chicago series will go up against the winner of the Columbus/KC series. Since our record is better than KC's record, if KC beats the Crew Saturday, we (having destroyed NE in a game that will become legend) will play KC at Toyota Park.
Tickets will go onsale Monday.
Anyone Interested?
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Best Goals of the 2008 Season!
Chris Rolfe provided the link to this video. I notice that Chad Barret is left completely out of the mix and none of the goals are vs. New England. But, still, pretty good selection
If your still hankering for some strikes v. New England, don't forget the earlier post on this site from the route at the start of the season!
Enjoy and GO FIRE!!
If your still hankering for some strikes v. New England, don't forget the earlier post on this site from the route at the start of the season!
Enjoy and GO FIRE!!
Salary Capped Strapped Take the Fantasy Title!!
The season has ended and the final standings are in. Congratulations to Jason and "Salary Cap Strapped" for taking first place in the 2008 season! Jason took the lead 10 weeks ago and refused to be unseated - spirited challages from Kris, John, and, finally, Jim not withstanding.
Here are the final standings....
Salary Cap Strapped 462 points, Jason
Red Shield F.C. 438 points, Jim
O'learys Cow 403 points, Kris
Brandon's Bombers 401 points , Brandon McAndrew
da_futbol_fanz 390 points , John
Texas Tornados FC 389 points , Tania
Texas Raiders 371 points , Caelye McAndrew
Green Machine 343 points , Dwayn Shields
Blue star 293 points , Julio
Justins Team 194 points , Justin Jamrowski
Amazingly enough, Justin only joined a couple weeks ago and managed to rack up half the score of the point leaders. Lucky he wasn't in the competition from the beginning!
Hopefully, everyone had fun and found the competition provided a reason to watch games and cheer for teams all around the MLS.
This years prize for first place is not exactly stellar (a Fire key chain, pencils, pens, and window decals for the car), but hey, it beats a poke in the eye! Next year I'll hit the fire up for some autographed stuff and we'll really have a reason to beat Jason (like we need a reason).
Thanks again for playing, everyone.
Here are the final standings....
Salary Cap Strapped 462 points, Jason
Red Shield F.C. 438 points, Jim
O'learys Cow 403 points, Kris
Brandon's Bombers 401 points , Brandon McAndrew
da_futbol_fanz 390 points , John
Texas Tornados FC 389 points , Tania
Texas Raiders 371 points , Caelye McAndrew
Green Machine 343 points , Dwayn Shields
Blue star 293 points , Julio
Justins Team 194 points , Justin Jamrowski
Amazingly enough, Justin only joined a couple weeks ago and managed to rack up half the score of the point leaders. Lucky he wasn't in the competition from the beginning!
Hopefully, everyone had fun and found the competition provided a reason to watch games and cheer for teams all around the MLS.
This years prize for first place is not exactly stellar (a Fire key chain, pencils, pens, and window decals for the car), but hey, it beats a poke in the eye! Next year I'll hit the fire up for some autographed stuff and we'll really have a reason to beat Jason (like we need a reason).
Thanks again for playing, everyone.
Planning for the Playoff Tailgate
Playoff Tailgate is upon us. Time to decide what to cook (see the poll in the side bar). If this game could be anymore of a nail-biter, I don't know how. Hopefully, there's some more soccer played in this game than what we saw at Gillette Stadium.
Sierra Mist Goal of the Year
Voting starts November 13th. Rolfe and Blanco are both nominated for the honor this year. Check out the goals here and do your voting. As always, VOTE EARLY, VOTE OFTEN...
Why Can't We Have Soccer Commercials Like This?
Ok - why can't we have soccer commercials like this? Ummm...in english....
Serpents Soccer Fire Outing 2008
Ok, I was going through video and discovered I had a video of the Serpents 2008 Outing. For those who don't know (most everyone), the Serpents are my daughters spring 2008 team. We took the team to the Houston Dynamo game in May. The girls went out on the field with the players during introductions and Tania took some good video.
Since we are now here at the playoffs after a successful season (GO FIRE!) I thought I would post this to remind us all where we started from. Enjoy!
Since we are now here at the playoffs after a successful season (GO FIRE!) I thought I would post this to remind us all where we started from. Enjoy!
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