It's official. This week the Chicago Fire closed the last, and potentially most significant, deal in what has shaped up to be a [insert over the top adjective here] preseason building spree.
Coming into the pre-season, the Fire technical staff of Frank Klopas faced a daunting number of holes in their starting eleven. Pretty much every talking head and blogger was of the opinion that, while still a strong team, the Fire would be out of contention for the MLS Cup and, instead, would need to build back their strength for one or even two years. And, really, who could blame them. Even Fire faithful were worried (not me of course) with the departure of DP Blanco, Wunderkind Chris Rolphe, Attacking Left Back "Gonzo" Segares, and Brandon Preidiux. The starting eleven had been gutted of key talent. Add to that the parting of ways with Head Coach Dennis Hamlett and the approaching dotage of C.J. Brown, and, really, there wasn't any reason to be optimistic.
Bravo to Klopas and his staff! They launched immediately to work landing, in quick succession, a new head coach, a new left back to replace Segares (Krol), a new midfield engine to replace Rolphe (Martinez), and added strike force with former Fulham player, Collins John. Not to mention executing what has been recognized by just about everyone as the best series of picks in this year's Super Draft.
Can any of these guys replace the Blanco spark? Alone, no. But together, with McBride and Thorington, and Papa...maybe so.
There are only a few days left until the openner at the new Red Bull Stadium and here's the talent list Coach los Cabos will have to select from...
McBride - Nyarko - Thorrington - Pappa - Ward - Krol - Bushe - Martinez - Pause - Conde - Husidich - Mapp - Dimitrov - Collins John - C.J. Brown - Robinson - Banner - Carr - Lowry
GO FIRE!!
