Technical difficulties prevented this from being posted pre-game. Today is the first SB Nation day of The Daily Wiz. Congrats to them on getting a victory to boot. The first question I asked them and their answer is posted here. The remaining Q&As can be found after the jump.
Hot Time In Old Town Asks The Daily Wiz
1. Kansas City was not on my radar for playoff caliber teams for quite awhile and then all of the sudden it was "Wow, KC is much better positioned than us". They probably will still miss out but what do you think lead to their run? Weak opponents? Something they can build on going into next year? A little bit of both?
It all happened so quickly, I'm sure much of the league was caught off-guard when we got to within (I think) just six points of 8th, but did so with two games in hand. Of course, the first game in hand was a thumping by FC Dallas on the back end of three games in seven days, followed by two more losses - at New York, vs Seattle. Now, Chicago this evening would be the other game in hand, not that it matters terribly much.
As for what caused the surge to happen, it wasn't a coincidence that we won at Columbus and started a 6-1-3 run of play the first game after Teal Bunbury was inserted into the starting lineup. Bunbury is super young (20) and unlike Josh Wolff, who he replaced in the lineup, he brings loads of athleticism. He accelerates quickly, is strong on the ball and works very well with fellow forward Kei Kamara.
Also, holding midfielder Stephane Auvray was on his third of fourth game back from knee surgery and was getting his fitness back. Up until late, many would have argued that Auvray was the team MVP (while he was playing) with the way he controls the game from the middle of the field and wins the ball back like a defender. It also wasn't a coincidence that the team won exactly zero games while he was out for almost two months.
Of late, though, not coincidentally, the team has faltered as Bunbury was removed from the starting lineup in favor of defensive midfielder Birahim Diop at center forward (yes, I'm serious) and Auvray's level of play has suffered greatly.
Follow this after the jump
2. Josh Wolff was part of the 1998 Chicago Fire team that won the MLS Cup and US Open Cup. I wouldn't mind seeing him back in Fire red. What is his current contract situation and your thoughts on keeping him with the Wizards for 2011? What is the Kansas City Wizards front line shaping up for next year?
I think I speak for most Wizards fans when I say, "If you want Josh Wolff, you can have him." Just make us a trade offer, so we get something out of it, too.
As I spoke in the first question, Bunbury's insertion in the starting XI triggered the team's run, and it was at the expense of Wolff. Wolff has had some great moments at KC throughout the years, (he had one a couple weeks ago when he headed home the 97th minute winner against Houston, but for only his second goal of the season) but his best days are beyond him. Not to mention, he's currently on a $200k+ a year salary.
Now, I don't want to sound like I'm bagging on Josh. He's a great guy in the Kansas City public eye. But, if we're talking pure on the field play, I'll send him to you for allocation money.
3. With the Kansas City Wizards set to open up a new stadium next year, how do you feel it will compare to the rest of stadiums around the league?
Of the people that have been to all MLS stadiums and either seen the progress or plans of the KC Soccer Stadium, (that's the name until naming rights are sold) many have said it will be rivalled by only Red Bull Arena in New York. For anyone interested in specifics on the stadium, or a live webcam to check it out themselves, here's the team site page for the stadium.
As for what it will do for the team itself, it will be huge. Not only will the Wizards finally have their very first home of their own for the first time in 15 years of existence, the stadium is going to be truly amazing. Personally, I work literally across the street from the new stadium site, so I get to see it evolve everyday.
There will be very few stadiums in MLS louder than the KCSS, given the low hanging roof that covers everything but the playing field, and the steep incline in the supporters section, which will make it seem like they are almost on top of the field to players. Throw in the fact that season tickets are selling like hotcakes, and it would not suffice to say Wizards fans and the team are excited about the new stadium. I feel pretty confident saying that it would be worth a weekend road trip to see the Fire play next year and enjoy some real BBQ.
The Daily Wiz Asks Hot Time In Old Town
1. I was in Chicago this past weekend for the US-Poland friendly, and the legend that is Brian McBride was honored before the game. Can I please just have your favorite McBride story? Fire or non-Fire related.
It is going to sound corny but this past Friday after he scored his goal. This season has been really tough for Brian McBride. There are rumors he was brought back too early after surgery last year, Carlos de los Cobos' favored lone striker formation does not suit him, perhaps age has just caught up with him, maybe it's all three. Whatever the case, you can tell he is struggling inside too. He hadn't scored a goal in months. He isn't happy with his performance.
However, Friday was October 8, the 13th Anniversary of the Chicago Fire and the 139th Anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire. It was a very special night made even more special by the fact we were playing the Columbus Crew. When McBride headed the ball in off a pass from the wings, an entire sense of relief, then joy filled the park. It looked like a 200 pound weight was lifted off his chest. He raised his hands to clap for Section 8 and acknowleged the rest of crowd. Everyone got up to give him a standing ovation that went on for at least a minute.
For that night, Brian McBride showed he still had it, the Fire won on that special day, McBride scored on his old team the Crew, the Fire lived on in playoff contention for at least one more day. In sports only one team will be the best at the end of the season. You have to cerish moments like that, times when you are just merely competing. If that ends up being Brian McBride's last professional goal, I can think of few other circumstances where it would have been better.
2. Saturday night, KC also played Seattle, Freddie Ljungberg's former team. I'll ask the same question I asked Dave from Sounder at Heart, only the flip-side; two months after the trade, how has the addition changed the team's play on the field? Still happy to have acquired him?
Freddie Ljungberg has given this team a shot in the arm. His style of play fits in perfectly with the Chicago way. It's hard to define in words (though I try to everyday and never seem to be at a loss for them...), but Ljungberg has it. I guess we'll see how Seattle uses the draft pick but I'm very happy with how he has turned out. He seems to like playing in Chicago and I hope to see him back. We are going to be a pretty young team losing McBride and possibly CJ Brown. We could use him as an all around leader, mentor and captain.
3. We both fell short in our late quest for the playoffs. Chicago first, but in the end, we're both likely watching the MLS playoffs from home. What do the Fire need to do to make the playoffs next year?