Hot Time In Old Town - MLS Coverage: Chicago Fire vs Columbus CrewTRADITION - HONOR - PASSIONhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50655/htiot-fav.png2018-04-10T15:00:01-05:00http://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/rss/stream/169732492018-04-10T15:00:01-05:002018-04-10T15:00:01-05:00Nemanja Nikolic Credits Coaching Staff with Goal
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<img alt="MLS: Columbus Crew at Chicago Fire" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sYAomnKHguk7_SKz8sfu1c3i0J0=/0x0:4406x2937/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59330083/usa_today_10774699.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Hungarian International has been lights out for the Fire. Now we know why.</p> <p id="eGU6br"><span>Nemanja Nikolic</span> scored his fourth goal in four games for the <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/">Chicago Fire</a> as they got their first win of the season and out of the Eastern Conference cellar. The performance earned him and <span>Bastian Schweinsteiger</span> the honor of <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2018/4/9/17217332/cf97-chicago-fire-mls-2018-week-6-team-of-the-week-schweinsteiger-nikolic">being named to the MLS Team Of The Week for this week</a>.</p>
<p id="tNeHgB"><strong> </strong>The reason he scored? The coaching staff.</p>
<p id="zY85yD">The Hungarian spoke to <a href="https://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2018/04/08/nikolic-credits-advance-preparation-winning-margin-vs-crew-sc">MLSsoccer.com</a> after the match, where he credited Chicago goalkeeping coach Aleksandar Saric and the rest of the coaching staff for the goal.</p>
<p id="BM057P">Niko said they helped him identify Zack Steffen’s fondness for playing out from the back as a potential area of weakness for the Fire’s forwards to exploit. In his own words:</p>
<blockquote><p id="8MwkEr">“I have a really good coaching staff, the goalkeeper coach Saric gave me good advice. They analyze like always our opponents. We knew that Steffen likes to play out from the back, Artur and Trapp they like to come to receive the ball, they are not afraid to play behind and our pressing in the first 15 to 20 minutes with me, (Alan) Gordon and Diego (Campos) was quite ok.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="tiU665">Looking at the goal, you do see Niko just lunge and pounce forward when Steffen attempted the pass forward. The maneuver lead to a goal that would secure the win for the Fire. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nikolic pounces on Steffen's error and it's 1-0 Chicago. <a href="https://t.co/2RV863olRC">pic.twitter.com/2RV863olRC</a></p>— Total MLS (@TotalMLS) <a href="https://twitter.com/TotalMLS/status/982791352562933761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a>
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<p id="589ipB">While it’s reassuring that there is film being watched and a game plan is being come up with, one has to wonder: what was missing the last three games? A discussion for another time.</p>
<p id="XqQ6fh">For the future, Niko and the coaching staff doing this kind of in depth work does get me hopeful that against the Galaxy, a notoriously bad defense, they can repeat the work and do even more damage against a weak defensive squad. </p>
<p id="bRwsdl">We’ll find out soon enough when Zlatan and company come in to town on Saturday. </p>
https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2018/4/10/17217586/cf97-chicago-fire-nemanja-nikolic-winning-goal-columbus-crew-credits-coaching-staffSaul Garcia2018-04-10T12:30:02-05:002018-04-10T12:30:02-05:00Roundtable: Accentuate The Positive
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<img alt="MLS: Columbus Crew at Chicago Fire" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/J3MilGEOMDRNweMtmEro5V5J9PQ=/0x0:4272x2848/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59329617/usa_today_10775456.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Hot Time crew talks about the win over Columbus, winning ugly, Zlatan, the Red Stars’ bye week, and more</p> <p id="w5oYoZ"><strong>James Bridget Gordon</strong>: Happy Monday, y’all!</p>
<p id="2fXjhL">The Fire actually won a game! And the villagers rejoice!</p>
<p id="w15OE6">How are y’all feeling about this?</p>
<p id="wRIn6h"><strong>Ruel Gutierrez Apostol</strong>: That was one of the more nerve-racking games I’ve seen in a while. Was also a bit surprised Katai wasn’t subbed in during the match.</p>
<p id="BhGGyO"><strong>Ruben Tisch</strong>: I’m a bit conflicted. They eeked out a win against a really good team with a clean sheet, no less. But at the same time, they had no possession, and looked second best for a lot of the game.</p>
<p id="dxc4vt"><strong>James Bridget</strong>: I feel like that’s been the major point of discussion over the weekend. Is “winning ugly” enough for at this point? Is it enough to have like one shot on target but that ends up giving the winning goal?</p>
<p id="olsTTB">I think in the past I would’ve said No, this isn’t good enough, _how_ you win is as important as the result. But, A. the Fire needed this win bad enough that I think we can’t look a gift horse in the mouth, and B. I’ve recently come around to the idea that a win is a win anyway you get it for non-soccer reasons.</p>
<p id="sV6eEG"><strong>Ruben</strong>: It’s professional sports. A win is a win.</p>
<p id="GBcUb5"><strong>Adnan Bašić</strong>: And we’re no longer last in the East. Which is nice. </p>
<p id="gBrqlQ">I hope Pauno brings back in Katai vs LA tho. Needed his quality on the ball at times on Saturday</p>
<p id="8ZNCLP"><strong>Ruben</strong>: I read that as “I hope he brings back Kenta” and was like Amen. </p>
<p id="3ptsmQ">Adnan: Is it too earlier in the Roundtable for takeover/mania discussion? Probably.</p>
<p id="PLs1Sp"><strong>Ruben</strong>: Although how Pauno got the book at Pro Wrestling NOAH, I’ll never know. </p>
<p id="UPlC60"><strong>James</strong> <strong>Bridget</strong>: I do want to stay on topic but here are my Mania Hot Takes:</p>
<p id="UQbtQ1">- I love Undertaker but for the love of God please just let him retire already.</p>
<p id="vWqQSA">- The two main events were meh but the rest of the show was alright.</p>
<p id="DeLn12">- Nakamura was robbed.</p>
<p id="J8wDFw">- Fuck Rhonda Rousey.</p>
<p id="Ka0p8Y">Ok, back to Fires.</p>
<p id="6ValR7"><strong>Ruben</strong>: In all seriousness, I agree on Katai. His presence was definitely missed out there. I hope Pauno got passed whatever point he was trying to prove and we can all get on with it. His poise on the ball and passing ability could have really helped. And they’ll need all they can get against the Galaxy.</p>
<p id="nfC4Cq"><strong>Adnan</strong>: I watched mania at 2:30 am and I legit thought I was hallucinating when Strowman won the tag titles with a CHILD.</p>
<p id="LKfW7v">But yea, I wonder if Pauno is gonna try the high press again against LA.</p>
<p id="FWK1FF"><strong>Ruben</strong>: I don’t think they have a choice. Keeping the ball from LA’s attackers is their best chance. </p>
<p id="TuIQTY"><strong>James</strong> <strong>Bridget</strong>: LA may have Zlatan now, but as their loss to SKC this past weekend demonstates, they can still be beaten.</p>
<p id="PNyHww">That said, Pauno and the squad really have to get this right. If they just fuck around for 90 minutes they’re going to get wrecked. Even in their current diminished state, you can’t just go up against the Galaxy without a plan.</p>
<p id="tvZRtf"><strong>Adnan</strong>: Another slow start and the Fire could be 3-0 down before half. Hopefully the sellout gets the players going.</p>
<p id="y30iSv"><strong>Saul Garcia</strong>: Pauno at least seems to have a semblance of a plan. I’m not a fan of it (like the 3-5-2 or Basti the Libero) but it’s working, so... </p>
<p id="TOOwrr">Sanchez seems to have got his feet under him and played better too.</p>
<p id="DIX9r8"><strong>RJ</strong>: Can’t wait for Connor and Kappelhof expose Zlatan!</p>
<p id="jxiCV0"><strong>Adnan</strong>: Nah Grant Lillard is gonna shut him down.</p>
<p id="PIzC23"><strong>RJ</strong>: Lillard had a good debut.</p>
<p id="GZPpD0"><strong>James Bridget</strong>: I was so hyped to see Lillard get some minutes.</p>
<p id="AXtiRE">Campos did pretty well for himself too. Finishing needs some work, and he needs to be better about sorting out his feet, but dude has a strong engine at least.</p>
<p id="MND6KV"><strong>Ruben</strong>: I feel a bit better about things seeing those two. If they can keep improving, the Fire are going to be fine down the stretch.</p>
<p id="ui4nts"><strong>Adnan</strong>: Until Torres comes in and really kicks this team into gear. Or Ben Arfa. Or Pastore. Or Casillas. Or Nguyen.</p>
<p id="Ut2Rdp"><strong>RJ</strong>: Someone needs to really #freelee - How much ice cream nachos do I need to buy so the Fire can shell out the monopoly money for him? </p>
<p id="xRLh5H"><strong>James Bridget</strong>: We should make this a Hot Time campaign.</p>
<p id="54N9Jf">Step 1. Buy lots of ice cream nachos</p>
<p id="1KUox3">Step 2. ??</p>
<p id="EyYPzR">Step 3. <span>Lee Nguyen</span>!</p>
<p id="wP85yp"><strong>RJ</strong>: If Nguyen joins, the Fire would be so solid. Niko Katai - Nguyen - De Leeuw Basti - Dax Vincent - Campbell - Kappelhof - Polster mmmmm uhhhh Sanchez</p>
<p id="yZIUtS"><strong>Adnan</strong>: A midfield 3 of Katai Nguyen and MDL would be the narrowest in the history of footy.</p>
<p id="yZUZic"><strong>James Bridget</strong>: That’s a pretty bold claim.</p>
<p id="NGC8sC"><strong>Adnan</strong>: It’d work wonders away to NYCFC.</p>
<p id="oHdNsM"><strong>James Bridget</strong>: So how are we feeling about the 3-5-2? Is this just a duct tape solution until folks come back from injury? Or can this work for us going forward?</p>
<p id="1HQX8G"><strong>Ruben</strong>: I think it was fine. They switched to a 4-4-2 when they were settled in after the goal. So they know it’s flexible to go into when they need it.</p>
<p id="ZuH1O7"><strong>Adnan</strong>: I think it’s gonna be the formation until <insert big name summer signing> joins.</p>
<p id="Dcoojv"><strong>James Bridget</strong>: Ok but for right now let’s assume that Big Name Summer Signing isn’t happening. Is this workable?</p>
<p id="bpaEpq"><strong>Adnan</strong>: I think it might be one of those scenarios were it works until other teams figure out what we’re doing. Like Chelsea last season vs this season with the back 3.</p>
<p id="fTgJLg"><strong>James Bridget</strong>: But that’s true of any tactical setup though.</p>
<p id="hY8qUa"><strong>Adnan</strong>: Can’t disagree with that.</p>
<p id="Tkoxjd"><strong>James Bridget</strong>: Alright, any other spicy Fire takes before we change shifts?</p>
<p id="rmywZg"><strong>Adnan</strong>: 4-4 draw vs LA incoming, imo.</p>
<p id="JUnmDu"><strong>RJ</strong>: Zlatan to get exposed harder than Pep.</p>
<p id="UsN2ol"><strong>Ruben</strong>: 4-4 draw.</p>
<p id="8Ep0wK"><strong>James Bridget</strong>: Imma say 2-2, Zlatan and Niko with ze goals. (Shocking, I know.)</p>
<p id="PnulwN">Alright, shift change!</p>
<p id="WHjF6s">So it’s been kind of a quiet week on the Red Stars front, and maaaaaybe that’s for the best. But a few Chicago players repped for the USWNT this past week, including Sofia Huerta, who got some solid minutes in the USA’s 6-2 win over Mexico.</p>
<p id="n54c9p">Thoughts? Reactions? Steamed Hams?</p>
<p id="86qPe3"><strong>Claire Watkins</strong>: No Red Stars got hurt this week!</p>
<p id="9Ro2uG"><strong>James Bridget</strong>: Huzzah!</p>
<p id="jr1goI"><strong>Claire</strong>: I don’t have a ton of Chicago feelings coming out of USWNT camp other than not having NWSL games is boring and I’m looking forward to getting back to them</p>
<p id="5Rucm6">Glad Huerta got in there though, had to feel special playing against Mexico.</p>
<p id="nznyUX"><strong>James Bridget</strong>: For sure. I guess now we’re just waiting for news on who, if anyone, is coming back from injury this week.</p>
<p id="C5ubNO"><strong>Claire</strong>: I have a good feeling about it, though that could just be the week off talking.</p>
<p id="jTumqC"><strong>James Bridget</strong>: Absence making the heart grow fonder, as it were.</p>
<p id="3QhdFt"><strong>Claire</strong>: Even if they just get one of the pieces back, it’ll set them up well against Utah, who are gonna have a real busy week.</p>
<p id="XrmM1O">James Bridget: For sure.</p>
<p id="UIOPOV"><strong>Claire</strong>: Also I’d say this is definitely the stretch coming up where every NWSL team is going to be solidifying their game plan, and CRS are gonna have to start getting results.</p>
<p id="V7N2J7"><strong>James</strong> <strong>Bridget</strong>: Yeah, like we can take the first two games as mulligans but stuff’s getting real this month.</p>
<p id="tqSJnF"><strong>Claire</strong>: The good news though is that the Red Stars depth has already gotten a good amount of minutes early, cuz they’re gonna need them if they’re going to survive 3 games in a week</p>
<p id="WBvpKJ"><strong>James Bridget</strong>: Totally, that’s going to pay dividends down the line.</p>
<p id="PycrjY"><strong>Adriana Hooper</strong>: USWNT-wise, I don’t think Naeher has looked that bad for club but her NT performance left a little bit of nerves so hopefully getting yesterday off and coming into this week semi-fresh she’ll get out of her head and back to it.</p>
<p id="s8HWCw">Huerta- not much to tell but agreed on the special-ness of getting to play against Mexico.</p>
<p id="8He2Bl">The pessimist in me says logically, Short might be the only one close to coming back but even then I’m skeptical. DiB sounds like a pretty long term thing.</p>
<p id="f103Z0">And April in general was always going to be a rough NWSL month so I’m kind of happy it’s half over lol.</p>
<p id="as18fU"><strong>Claire</strong>: Next week is definitely going to be a grind, but the good news is it’s against Utah, Houston, and Sky Blue, all teams that should theoretically not give Naeher too many fits back there</p>
<p id="d2J9oQ">I’m trying to “The Secret” that into being, at least.</p>
<p id="Ky3uNQ"><strong>Adriana</strong>: Hey I’m with ya on that. None really have a huge attacking threat, most likely will all be very defensive games.</p>
<p id="4tvZSc">Well except Sky Blue. I’m not sure what to call that one but they held NC to a last minute goal sooo</p>
<p id="yBCVEv"><strong>James Bridget</strong>: Has anyone read <em>The Alchemist</em> by Paulo Coelho?</p>
<p id="LezHqR">There’s a quote from it that I always think of whenever Claire mentions <em>The Secret</em>.</p>
<p id="vbgQ4t">”And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”</p>
<p id="A6Huxe">So yeah, someone print that out and hang it in the Red Stars dressing room or something.</p>
<p id="qiHPgy"><strong>Claire</strong>: Sometimes it feels like the universe is the real head coach of the USWNT. But that’s a whole other roundtable.</p>
<p id="X4fH8X"><strong>James Bridget</strong>: ”So Jill, what’s your gameplan heading into WCQs?”</p>
<p id="EONcLc">”You know, I’ve just learned that life has its own rhythms and patterns and it’s better to just go with those rhythms than to fight against it. So our gameplan is to just sort of open ourselves to the mysteries of the universe and trust that everything will work out.”</p>
<p id="lEZvzb">Claire: Just some refreshing honesty from the USA skipper.</p>
<p id="jqiGnk"><strong>Adriana</strong>: Lollllllll. It’s sad that that’s probably something she would say to avoid the actual point but I digress lol.</p>
<p id="tGs1Ek"><strong>James Bridget</strong>: Having the players prepare for a game by giving them all copies of <em>Eat, Pray, Love</em>.</p>
<p id="WoIsRB"><strong>Claire</strong>: ”We spend most practices simply visualizing now. Once visualized, we can then achieve on the physical plane.”</p>
<p id="vKvaXw"><strong>Adriana</strong>: lolololol</p>
<p id="fdjNkV"><strong>Claire</strong>: Every injury is merely a sign, etc ok I’ll stop now.</p>
<p id="gwNhrj"><strong>James Bridget</strong>: ”We’re bottom of the group in Qualifiers but we’ve really gotten into Mindfulness lately so it’s really okay, you know?”</p>
<p id="jxX6ps"><strong>Claire</strong>: When the League has a Week Off, Sometimes All You’re Left With is a Good Bit.</p>
<p id="KJiFXx"><strong>James Bridget</strong>: Wow, that’s deep.</p>
https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2018/4/10/17216274/cf97-mkot-chicago-fire-red-stars-columbus-crew-win-schweinsteiger-libero-zlatan-bye-weekBridget GordonRuel Gutierrez ApostolRuben TischAdnan BasicSaul GarciaClaire WatkinsAdriana Hooper2018-04-09T17:45:02-05:002018-04-09T17:45:02-05:00Basti & Niko Named To MLS Team Of The Week
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<img alt="MLS: Columbus Crew at Chicago Fire" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/E4YeTtUk15kO4zkO3GFVDLqgfOk=/0x136:4071x2850/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59328447/usa_today_10775423.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Big Handsome German gets a nod at his new position while #NoNikoNoParty stays strong</p> <p id="Rmc3Yi">On the heels of the <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/">Chicago Fire</a>’s first win of the 2018 season, <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/04/09/team-week-presented-audi-tim-melia-steps-week-6">two Men In Red have been named to the MLS Team Of The Week</a>.</p>
<aside id="03v3qt"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Soaking Damage: Chicago Fire 1, Columbus Crew 0, MLS game recap","url":"https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2018/4/7/17211550/soaking-damage-chicago-fire-1-columbus-crew-0-mls-game-recap-nemanja-nikolic-winning-goal"}]}'></div></aside><p id="YTJItp"><span>Bastian Schweinsteiger</span> was named to the best XI for Week 6. Basti was listed as a defender in the TOTW, owing to his spending a long stretch of the game at his possibly-new position as central defender or libero.</p>
<p id="aoAZeA"><span>Nemanja Nikolic</span> was named as a substitute for the TOTW on the strength of his game-winning goal against Columbus this weekend (his fourth of the season).</p>
<p id="gIhCTr">Here’s the full TOTW:</p>
<p id="4fWZ1I">GK: <span>Tim Melia</span> (<a href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/">Sporting Kansas City</a>)</p>
<p id="M9R3DZ">DEF: Andrew Farrell (<a href="https://www.thebentmusket.com/">New England Revolution</a>), <strong>Bastian Schweinsteiger (Chicago Fire)</strong>, Michael Parkhurst (<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/atlanta-united">Atlanta United</a>), Brooks Lennon (<a href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/">Real Salt Lake</a>)</p>
<p id="39s4Ws">MID: Diego Fagundez (New England Revolution), <span>Alejandro Bedoya</span> (<a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Philadelphia Union</a>), Wilfried Zahabo (New England Revolution), <span>Julian Gressel</span> (Atlanta United)</p>
<p id="BXRAeM">FW: <span>Dom Dwyer</span> (<a href="https://www.themaneland.com/">Orlando City</a>), Johnny Russell (Sporting Kansas City)</p>
<p id="gLosoO">Bench: <span>Andrew Tarbell</span> (<a href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/">San Jose Earthquakes</a>), <span>Ike Opara</span> (Sporting Kansas City), Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United), <span>Sebastian Blanco</span> (<a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a>), Magnus Eriksson (San Jose Earthquakes), <span>Fafa Picault</span> (Philadelphia Union), <strong>Nemanja Nikolic (Chicago Fire)</strong></p>
<p id="bLyzI7">Coach: Gerardo “Tata” Martino (Atlanta United)</p>
https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2018/4/9/17217332/cf97-chicago-fire-mls-2018-week-6-team-of-the-week-schweinsteiger-nikolicBridget Gordon2018-04-09T15:00:02-05:002018-04-09T15:00:02-05:00Fire Set A League Record In Columbus Win
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<img alt="MLS: Columbus Crew at Chicago Fire" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/X7N071OLzGGJx7Brx0V9x3U9jHw=/0x0:3614x2409/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59317331/usa_today_10775375.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>It’s a small accomplishment, but still!</p> <p id="9dxEuA">In the midst of a turbulent start to the season, the <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/">Chicago Fire</a> has done something positive – well depending on how you would look at it. </p>
<p id="dcpmtM">After the nerve-racking 1-0 win against the Columbus Crew Saturday night the Chicago Fire has set a new MLS record. The Men in Red have now scored in 34 consecutive home games – <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJack/status/982769994718212099">the longest streak</a> in the MLS since 2010.</p>
<p id="S2RaS6">The last time the Fire had failed to score was against <em>That Yellow Team</em> during the 2015 season in matchday 3 where they drew 0-0. Since then the lads have at least scored once in all home games since. Now, what does this mean in the end?</p>
<p id="R5Gghx">Absolutely nothing at all if the results prove otherwise. It’s great that the Fire is scoring in every home game, but do they all lead to wins</p>
<p id="Kt7jos">If we want to talk arbitrary records the Fire has quite a few. They sit alongside the <a href="https://www.burgundywave.com/">Colorado Rapids</a> and <a href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/">San Jose Earthquakes</a> setting the record of most consecutive ties at six. The Fire is also ranked eight out of 10 alongside<em> That Yellow Team</em> for most goals scored during a season. The club scored 67 goals during the 2000 season.</p>
<p id="JNgHGh">But there is something more to the number 34 than just this record. Hear me out. </p>
<p id="U0l5rX"><em>*starts X-Files music*</em></p>
<ul>
<li id="iQoLcC">Chris Rolfe retired at age 34.</li>
<li id="GjIgxZ">Chris Rolfe played for the Chicago Fire. </li>
<li id="UWV0bf">The Chicago Fire is based out of Bridgeview which is a suburb of Chicago.</li>
<li id="Wl2DaW">Chicago is famous for the Sears Tower, and to get to Toyota Park from the Sears Tower it takes about 34 minutes if you take the I-55.</li>
<li id="UvqGs3">Toyota Park has 34 Executive Suites.</li>
<li id="LoARmo">Who is rumored to play in Toyota Park this Summer? Iker Casillas. Who he left Real Madrid for Porto at age 34.</li>
</ul>
<p id="CaU3Ry">Do you see where I’m going with this? </p>
<p id="G5tG6N">No?</p>
<p id="vWtcLi">Hello…..Hello?</p>
<p id="i2cPse"></p>
https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2018/4/9/17214170/cf97-chicago-fire-mls-goalscoring-record-columbus-crewRuel Gutierrez Apostol2018-04-07T22:34:47-05:002018-04-07T22:34:47-05:00Soaking Damage: Chicago Fire 1, Columbus Crew 0, MLS game recap
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<img alt="MLS: Columbus Crew at Chicago Fire" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mzF12N0lOn1O4D29oglGj09TPxw=/0x0:4616x3077/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59308409/usa_today_10775378.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Fire survive withering Columbus onslaught to make Niko’s fourth 2018 goal his first game-winner</p> <blockquote>
<p id="uqY5ny"><a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/">Chicago Fire</a> 1 (Nikolic 27’)</p>
<p id="bnybwe">Columbus Crew 0</p>
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<p id="dgjNFq">There were times it was hard to watch, but say this: The Fire never quit tonight.</p>
<p id="ChgGkW">There were times this evening that the Chicago Fire - the no-longer-winless Chicago Fire, the no-longer-pitiable Chicago Fire - were absorbing punishment like the hero of a hackneyed action movie, taking punches that sounded like small explosions, blood, sweat, and gore streaking down their lumpen, stubborn faces. The Columbus Crew played better football tonight, sometimes overwhelmingly so, but winning football matches is only ever <em>mostly</em> about playing the better football. In the end, the Men in Red were opportunistic, bullheaded, and hardworking enough to make a <span>Nemanja Nikolic</span> goal stand up for their first win of the MLS season, 1-0 over <em>that yellow team.</em></p>
<div id="Kw2ThT"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zxFKW1Ki2WE?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="7zlMEB">The deciding moment came rather early in the game, and was a fair representation of the chess-match nature of parts of contest. The Fire had come out in a slightly back-foot interpretation of a 3-5-2, with <span>Bastian Schweinsteiger</span> in the center of defense, seemingly intent on cutting off Columbus’ potent attack down the wings - but in the 27th minute, for only the second time in the game, they leapt forward into a pressing posture the moment the visitors tried to recycle the ball back through keeper Zach Steffen. Alan Gordon, making his first start for Chicago, harrassed Steffen into a hurried pass that Nikolic tracked down. Running across goal with gaped-mouth defenders standing yards away, Niko had only to keep his nerve to score his fourth goal of the season and give the Fire a lead they would never relinquish.</p>
<p id="p7Jas5">Immediately after the goal, the Men in Red adjusted their shape to a 4-3-3 that was a functional mirror of the Crew’s tactic, and the game settled into a rough stalemate. Each team took canny opportunities to press the other; each had long possessions undone by wayward passes at a crucial moment. Predictably, the impasse suited the leading-and-unfavored Fire a great deal more than Columbus, and equally predictably, the Crew’s greater depth and cohesion began to tilt the field toward the Chicago goal. Any number of Columbus attacks could have levelled the match - like, say, the Gyasi Zardes shot that caromed off the crossbar in the 72nd minute, or the <span>Niko Hansen</span> goal that was flagged offside in the 75th, or the Abu howitzer off the top 90 in the 77th, to take one particularly fecund 5-minute stretch.</p>
<p id="gDm7Ro">But none did. The punches rained in, a flurry, a deluge of punches, and the Fire just kept on shaking it off, like, “What next?” When the game got into stoppage time, the Men in Red had enough awareness left after that beating to launch into a few of football’s crowd-favorite short-cons, wasting time with classic routines like <em>Stand Over The Ball In the Corner</em> (through which Drew Conner and <span>Tony Tchani</span> milked a solid 75 seconds), <em>Foul the F--k Outta Somebody Just Because</em> (that was <span>Brandon Vincent</span> and <span>Johan Kappelhof</span> leaping over each other to commit a foul at midfield), and <em>Stall A Free Kick Until The Ref Is Forced To Card You</em> (which Niko used to kill the final 90 seconds after the professional foul).</p>
<p id="vQAdUX">The Fire came to kick somebody, show some dignity, and maybe win a football match. For the first time in 2018, they managed all three. </p>
<h1 id="219CaY">Notes</h1>
<ul>
<li id="HEw64M">
<span>Grant Lillard</span> made his MLS debut tonight and looked a whole lot like Grant Lillard - tough, a little raw, determined. Congratulations, Grant!</li>
<li id="9uCinq">Drew Conner has some limitations (hey bad giveaways how you doin’) but I just like watching a guy play who leaves every little bit of himself out there.</li>
<li id="tkYnC6">Also, great to see a good game from Tony Tchani. If he can keep the ball, like, 5 percent better, he’d be really good.</li>
<li id="WMrkj2">Wouldn’t it be fun to see this team go out and start winning games in the ugliest, least gentlemanly way possible? Park the bus, use all this height to win set pieces, flop and whine and time-waste ... no? Just me?</li>
</ul>
https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2018/4/7/17211550/soaking-damage-chicago-fire-1-columbus-crew-0-mls-game-recap-nemanja-nikolic-winning-goalSean Spence2018-04-07T21:50:02-05:002018-04-07T21:50:02-05:00Chicago Fire 1, Columbus Crew 0: Man Of The Match
<figure>
<img alt="MLS: Columbus Crew at Chicago Fire" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HbYfilWYnwF31T7Nm9uQjZbHdO4=/0x0:3926x2617/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59308139/usa_today_10774706.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>#NoNikoNoParty</p> <p id="59z8Wo">The <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/">Chicago Fire</a> finally pick up their first three points of the 2018 MLS season. Finally. Finally! It wasn’t the pretty performance you’ll ever see but it was good enough.</p>
<p id="sJMbkA">There were some solid performances all around; Basti seemed to do well in his possible new position at Libero, and Campos had a strong showing. But we have to give our MOTM nod to <span>Nemanja Nikolic</span>, whose 27th minute goal (his fourth of the season) gave the Fire the win.</p>
<p id="KAlvRs"><em>Now let us know how you saw it. Vote for your choice for MOTM in the poll below. The poll will be open for two days, after which we’ll publicize the results. (Note: if you’re viewing this post from AMP or Apple News, you won’t see the poll below. Feel free to tell us your pick in the comments.)</em></p>
<div id="yoiGM5"><div data-anthem-component="poll:1009763"></div></div>
https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2018/4/7/17209264/best-worst-performances-vote-motm-chicago-fire-1-columbus-crew-0-mls-2018-week-6Bridget Gordon2018-04-07T21:36:03-05:002018-04-07T21:36:03-05:00Chicago Fire 1, Columbus Crew 0: First Thoughts
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<img alt="MLS: Columbus Crew at Chicago Fire" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UrhOCDibQq4nGQ1jwx-UMyCsKSs=/0x0:3147x2098/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59308067/usa_today_10774795.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Fire FINALLY get their first win of 2018!</p> <blockquote>
<p id="8DzJfG"><a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/"><strong>Chicago Fire</strong></a><strong> 1</strong> Nikolic 27’</p>
<p id="e1dTpH"><strong>Columbus Crew 0</strong> </p>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li id="icB5Ke">Lineups are <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2018/4/7/17209222/chicago-fire-vs-columbus-crew-mls-2018-week-6-highlights-teamsheets-streaming-kickoff-time">here</a>!</li>
<li id="R9FICr">Pregame thought 1: So, uh. Wow. That lineup is certainly A Choice. A 3-4-1-2 setup, Basti as a defender, Campos as the #10, Nikolic in a strike partnership with Alan “I Love Yelling Homophobic Slurs At My Opponents In The Middle Of A Game” Gordon, and Katai on the bench. Either this is going to be the jolt we need to break out of the funk, or this is going to be an unmitigated disaster. </li>
<li id="7PmtBK">Pregame thought 2: Kiiiiiiiiinda leaning toward the Unmitigated Disaster option tbh. I don’t see this working out well for us. I will be delighted to be proven wrong.</li>
<li id="MVuc4k">Pregame thought 3: Remember last year when we didn’t go into every game with a palpable sense of dread? Good times.</li>
<li id="6mZIXj"><strong>Let’s goooooooooooooooooooooooo</strong></li>
<li id="oIjOip">6’ Pretty spicy game in the opening few minutes. Both teams with a decent shot on goal and Kap has a yellow card. They’re both going for it. Good.</li>
<li id="tZOWKR">15’ So the Fire definitely look more organized tonight. Their attack also looks a teensy bit better, even if it’s not entirely clicking.</li>
<li id="bvFA2i">20’ Campos is doing okay as the #10 but he needs to communicate better with Niko.</li>
<li id="0L4EVx">
<strong>26’ GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL </strong>NIKOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS/status/982786873520046080">CHI 1-0 CLB</a>
</li>
<li id="6Wlp6O">27’ Steffen fucked up and hit a pass meant to a defender right at Niko. Our guy did what he always does. I love it.</li>
<li id="bJHGnB">28’ Tchani goes down with a knock. He looks fine, but he has to sit on the touchline for a minute or so.</li>
<li id="T3ByEd">30’ Campos gets a layoff in a dangerous position but he can’t get his feet right to capitalize.</li>
<li id="NbA2Ay">34’ Kap gives the ball away cheap in the Fire’s defensive third, serving it up on a plat for Zardes. Ellis manages to step in to kill the attack, but, yikes.</li>
<li id="nGT8n3">40’ Apparently Alan Gordon puked on himself a few minutes ago. Which is very relatable, given that’s how I feel every time I see him in a Fire shirt.</li>
<li id="uivEXm">42’ Columbus comes very close to their first goal thanks to some gawdawful set piece defending.</li>
<li id="2RjoZ9">44’ Higuain is played through and hits a shot, which Sanchez barely manages to tip over the bar. I’m emotionally preparing myself for a 1-1 score at halftime.</li>
<li id="N9luvK">45’ Campos steals the ball after a CLB corner kick and makes a lung-busting run to the other end of the pitch. No one’s there to receive a pass and the attack fizzles out, but good hustle nonetheless.</li>
<li id="3qheqg"><strong>Halftime! CHI 1-0 CLB</strong></li>
<li id="JZyGVe">Halftime thought 1: Alright, not bad. Not bad at all. If we can keep this up and make fewer dumb mistakes, we might actually win this thing.</li>
<li id="ZN91mV">Halftime thought 2: For some stupid reason they’re interviewing Noted Homophobic Slur Enthusiast Alan Gordon on the touchline. Hey Paul, ask him why he loves calling people ‘f*ggot’ so much.</li>
<li id="wDq4P3"><strong>Second half is underway!</strong></li>
<li id="cwX5uK">47’ Artur picks up an early yellow.</li>
<li id="aVNdry">49’ Basti is back in the midfield, playing something resembling a 4-3-3.</li>
<li id="jf7fLP">50’ Whatever pep talk the Crew heard in the locker room at halftime did not have the intended effect. They’ve been incredibly sloppy in the opening minutes of the half.</li>
<li id="au47t7">54’ Haha shoulda knocked on wood, Zardes makes a run down the right flank and hits a low cross to Higuain, who almost squeezes it inside the near post.</li>
<li id="K8b4Uz">55’ But the subsequent corner comes to nothing and leads directly into a Fire counterattack. Campos with another blazing run. I think this kid’s gonna turn out alright.</li>
<li id="FvMiQR">58’ Fire almost score on a corner, Crew survive and launch a counterattack, which nearly gives That Yellow Team the equalizer. </li>
<li id="Qsgeo2">59’ This game definitely isn’t boring!</li>
<li id="VNzTpf">64’ <span>Grant Lillard</span> makes his professional and MLS debut, coming in for <span>Kevin Ellis</span>.</li>
<li id="RAuQ8f">65’ Ellis picked up a knock and needed to come off anyway. Hope he’s okay. Still, excited to see Lillard’s debut!</li>
<li id="83DEHy">67’ Meanwhile the Crew have had a string of corner kicks. Trying to increase pressure on the Fire’s back end.</li>
<li id="LNusbn">68’ <thinky emoji> </li>
</ul>
<div id="UCaUbU">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Drew Conner confirmed as the new Logan Pause. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cf97?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cf97</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHIvCLB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHIvCLB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MLS</a> <a href="https://t.co/r6ZQzgK6iY">https://t.co/r6ZQzgK6iY</a></p>— Hot Time In Old Town (@HotTimeOldTown) <a href="https://twitter.com/HotTimeOldTown/status/982800263219175424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<ul>
<li id="TYQA08">69’ Tchani boops a pass forward, setting up a foot race between Niko and Steffen in no-man’s land. Steffen wins— barely— but it was a good try.</li>
<li id="SROS6n">71’ Collier comes in for Campos. Dude put in a good shift. Don’t be surprised if we name him MOTM this week.</li>
<li id="SqFWF4">72’ Zardes gets a shot past Sanchez but it hits the underside of the crossbar and bounces out. Y I K E S</li>
<li id="vBotFT">75’ Columbus get the ball in the back of Sanchez’ net but the offside flag is up. Hoo boy.</li>
<li id="FatXzx">77’ The visitors hit the woodwork again. This is bad. Really bad.</li>
<li id="6PWDEP">78’ The Homophobic Slur Appreciator has logged off, with <span>Brandt Bronico</span> checking in to the game.</li>
<li id="RuN9VJ">80’ Fire are just barely hanging on here. Need a second goal.</li>
<li id="a3UIu6">84’ Sanchez has been marginally better tonight but his distribution is still really off.</li>
<li id="OKkIfP">88’ Crew are focusing less on counterattacking and more on keeping possession in the Fire’s defensive third and piling on pressure. Santos collects a bad clearance and hits a shot that just barely misses.</li>
<li id="AGe4iR">90’ Hansen follows up with another near-miss. Four minutes of stoppage time. If the Fire can hang on we get our first win of the season.</li>
<li id="tl1gyp">92’ Both teams look pretty gassed right now.</li>
<li id="E9jdMG">94’ Fire playing keepaway, Crew getting ornery in their attempts to get the ball back. One last long FK comes to nothing. Niko gets a yellow for time-wasting. Good stuff.</li>
<li id="rDPzXm"><strong>Peep! Peep! Peeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep! Final score: CHI 1-0 CLB</strong></li>
<li id="ZThd97">Final Whistle Thought: Finally!!! Three points and a clean sheet against That Yellow Team. Man, this feels great!</li>
</ul>
<p id="ZFRUZx">Stay tuned for more postgame coverage and a full recap here on Hot Time In Old Town. In the meantime, join the conversation in the comments or on social media.</p>
<p id="hp0WJx"></p>
https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2018/4/7/17209258/chicago-fire-1-columbus-crew-0-match-recap-report-mls-2018-week-6Bridget Gordon2018-04-07T16:30:02-05:002018-04-07T16:30:02-05:00Chicago Fire vs Columbus Crew: Lineups, Game Highlights, and How to Watch
<figure>
<img alt="MLS: Columbus Crew SC at Chicago Fire" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WtXg4oYAiSD3Yxl2REMz2an3vps=/0x0:4231x2821/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59302487/usa_today_10012346.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Lineups, streaming info, and live MLS coverage as the Fire face off against the Crew</p> <hr class="p-entry-hr" id="1GIiHX">
<h2 id="NSih54">
<a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/"><strong>Chicago Fire</strong></a><strong> vs Columbus Crew</strong>
</h2>
<p id="Llvdd1">Saturday, April 7th, 2018</p>
<p id="tOImxW">MLS Week 6 | Toyota Park, Bridgeview IL</p>
<p id="zpPWb4">Kickoff: 7:30pm CT</p>
<p id="7CTIWr">Referee: Jair Marrufo</p>
<p id="xlTbXE">Assistant Referees: Ian Anderson, Peter Balciunas</p>
<p id="1XElkw">4th Official: Victor Rivas</p>
<p id="4n6O8v">VAR: Kevin Terry Jr</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="KlVcDy">
<p id="4H408D">The Men In Red head into their fourth game of the season still looking for a win. They’re hoping tonight will be the night as they suit up for <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/save-the-crew">what may be one of their final meetings with That Yellow Team</a>. But the Crew head into Chicago on good form, with new signing Gyasi Zardes firing on all cylinders and all their top guys healthy and available. The Fire’s past home record against Columbus notwithstanding, this is going to be a considerable challenge for the home side. </p>
<h2 id="D7F1pz"><strong>PREVIEW & VIEWING OPTIONS</strong></h2>
<p id="sl7ttD"><strong>Full Preview: </strong><a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2018/4/7/17209454/we-meet-in-woe-chicago-fire-v-columbus-crew-mls-game-4-preview">Fire vs Crew</a></p>
<p id="wjtfoW"><strong>Television</strong>: N/A</p>
<p id="1Cr4ig"><strong>Online Streaming:</strong> <a href="https://live.mlssoccer.com/">MLS Live</a></p>
<p id="tYkBzS"><strong>Live Updates: </strong><a href="https://twitter.com/hottimeoldtown">@HotTimeOldTown</a> (livetweets by <a href="https://twitter.com/rubentisch">Ruben</a>) | <a href="https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2018-04-07-chicago-fire-vs-columbus-crew-sc/">MLS Matchcenter</a></p>
<h2 id="6DpDSk"><strong>CHICAGO FIRE</strong></h2>
<p id="lH9M69">Starting XI: Sanchez; Ellis, Schweinsteiger, Kappelhof; Vincent, Tchani, McCarty (c), Conner; Campos; Gordon, Nikolic</p>
<p id="yWpXUG">Bench: McLain, Lillard, Ramos, Bakero, Bronico, Collier, Katai</p>
<h2 id="1P9oWx"><strong>COLUMBUS CREW</strong></h2>
<p id="yPxqIh">Starting XI: Steffen; Valenzuela, Williams, Mensah, Afful; Trapp (c), Artur; Martinez, Higuain, Santos; Zardes</p>
<p id="2LmfLs">Bench: Kempin, Abubaker, Maloney, Jimenez, Abu, Hansen, Jahn</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="34cs67">
<h2 id="wfSITm"><strong>FIRST HALF HIGHLIGHTS</strong></h2>
<h2 id="QtPHye">26’ 1-0 Nikolic</h2>
<div id="9ZQ6jM">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoFire?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChicagoFire</a> capitalize on the turnover and Nikolic makes no mistake. 1-0. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHIvCLB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHIvCLB</a> <a href="https://t.co/nH1GsZvAHI">https://t.co/nH1GsZvAHI</a></p>— Major League Soccer (@MLS) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS/status/982786873520046080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
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<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="JqLscv">
<h2 id="yr21jg"><strong>SECOND HALF HIGHLIGHTS</strong></h2>
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<h2 id="et7cXj"><strong>JOIN THE CONVERSATION</strong></h2>
<p id="BCZbcn">Be sure to follow our full coverage of every Chicago Fire game this season, along with breaking news, tactical analysis, and opinion. Join the conversation in the comments below or on social media.</p>
<p id="JmYhMl"></p>
https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2018/4/7/17209222/chicago-fire-vs-columbus-crew-mls-2018-week-6-highlights-teamsheets-streaming-kickoff-timeBridget Gordon