:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46974232/usa-today-8744065.0.jpg)
Surely, at least, these are interesting times in Fire-land. The #HauptmanOut movement got a huge push with a visible protest during the US Open Cup semifinal ...
Chicago Fire supporters with a banner demanding their owner sell. #usoc2015 #cf97 #mls #hauptmanout #TheKhandyMan pic.twitter.com/U7AgOU3B0L
— Football & Threads (@AmericanCasual1) August 13, 2015
... and a disgusted editorial from John Kass of the Chicago Tribune ...
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3973462/Screen_Shot_2015-08-16_at_6.16.11_PM.0.png)
... and an 'OMG I almost sold out!' confessional from OTF founder Scott Fenwick ...
... and a bit of hollering from this blog here, including a 'golden oldies' lineup of editorials that pre-dated #HauptmanOut ...
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3973456/Screen_Shot_2015-08-16_at_6.11.46_PM.0.png)
In the end, what's happened is Chicago Fire COO Atul Khosla's shown up at a Section 8 watch party to explain that - shockingly! - they aren't over the moon with being last in the league, and that they really, really think they're going to be better very very soon. Or something like that.
AK: Frank Yallop nor I are happy with the on-field performance. #cf97
— Jeff Crandall (@jefecrandall) August 16, 2015
AK: I do think Brian Bliss has done a better job with the scouting of players [compared to the last technical staff]. #cf97
— Jeff Crandall (@jefecrandall) August 16, 2015
AK: There's work to be done in terms of connecting back to more former players from past #cf97 teams to provide more perspective.
— Jeff Crandall (@jefecrandall) August 16, 2015
AK on Facilities: There are changes that guys want that we're implementing. Hope to utilize Fire Pitch more once the building is finished.
— Jeff Crandall (@jefecrandall) August 16, 2015
AK: A core part of building this club is through he community. To build a successful franchise you need deep community roots. #cf97
— Jeff Crandall (@jefecrandall) August 16, 2015
Interesting times, surely. And ... oh, the game? That's going on ... lemme see here ... oh, right, still in Philadelphia. The Fire will play the Union again, and surely some combination of XI players will be chosen. An outcome will be reached. We will report it here on Hot Time!
Tonight's #cf97 Starting XI and bench presented by @UIHealth. #PHIvCHI kicks off at 6pmCT on @FOXSports1! pic.twitter.com/zuXpeQyCKS
— Chicago Fire (@ChicagoFire) August 16, 2015
So, rest for the younger starters - Harry Shipp, Matt Polster, David Accam. Settle in for an evening with Fox Sports 1!