7 Guppy's risk-taking
John Guppy has been Public Enemy No. 1 among some Fire fans since he replaced the well-liked Peter Wilt as the Fire's general manager, but even his biggest critics should give credit where credit is due. It was Guppy who signed Cuauhtemoc Blanco when others called the Mexican icon washed up. And it was Guppy who fired coach Dave Sarachan in favor of Juan Carlos Osorio, who had been passed over by other MLS teams.
Because Osorio and Blanco have played a large part in the Fire's streak, it's only fair to say Guppy has had a hand in the recent success as well.
6 Bigger home crowds
Guppy probably didn't get the best night of sleep when there were more than 4,000 empty seats for Blanco's Fire debut at Toyota Park, but a lot has changed since then.
Each of the last three Fire home games had announced sellouts o! f more than 20,000, giving the Fire the support it needed in the stands and making it a long day for opposing teams.
5 Team chemistry
When Osorio joined the Fire in July, the players had to adapt to a new game plan. When Blanco came aboard later that month, the players had to adapt to his unpredictability. Add in late-season signings Paulo Wanchope and Wilman Conde, and the Fire might as well pretend this is a whole new season.
Now, old and new players have a few games together and it's beginning to show. Osorio is learning his players' strengths and weaknesses and the players are learning that just because Blanco has his back to them doesn't mean they shouldn't be ready for the pass.
4 The return of Rolfe
Chris Rolfe took a while to get back into form after missing 11 games with an ankle injury, but he's slowly getting his touch back. The third-year forward isn't afraid of shooting from long distance, which is making defenses think twice ! before focusing just on Blanco.
3 Conde and the improve! d defens e
During the seven-game unbeaten streak, the Fire has allowed only six goals. If that doesn't impress you, consider that the Fire allowed 11 goals during its four-game losing streak in May. Gonzalo Segares has been consistent all season while C.J. Brown and Dasan Robinson have stepped up their performances as of late. But the biggest reason for the improved defense is Conde. He's big, he cleans up his teammates' mistakes and his long kicks make him a threat on the offensive side.
2 New coach, new life
The Fire had one win in its last 11 games when Osorio took over. The Colombia native got off to a bumpy start with a 4-0 loss to the Houston Dynamo on July 12. But the Fire bounced back, and Osorio, 5-3-6 as coach, got his players to believe in what he's selling thanks to his dedication, discipline and sense of humor.
1 The Blanco effect
Not only has Blanco delivered in the score column during the seven-game stretch (two goals, two assists), b! ut he also has his teammates believing they can beat anyone. And considering the competition as of late, confidence was a necessity.
Even at 34 years old, Blanco is chasing after balls he has no business going after, but it's this sort of hustle that makes his teammates raise their game as well. Some doubted whether Blanco could live up to his $2.67 million-a-year contract, but it looks like he has exceeded those expectations.
----------
larroyave@tribune.com
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
There are tons of way to make extra cash the fast way. Click on Fast Money now to learn more!!!
!Source: http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/printedition/cs-fire18oct18,1,2137723.story
Online Home Based Business
No comments:
Post a Comment