Hot Time In Old Town - USOC Coverage: Saint Louis FC vs Chicago FireTRADITION - HONOR - PASSIONhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50655/htiot-fav.png2019-06-11T22:45:00-05:00http://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/rss/stream/184249372019-06-11T22:45:00-05:002019-06-11T22:45:00-05:00Scorched Earth: Saint Louis FC 2, Chicago Fire 1, USOC Game Recap
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<img alt="MLS: U.S. Open Cup-Chicago Fire at Saint Louis FC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/C-ozFeXMHNc55VtDCkqOYZCmKkI=/5x0:3946x2627/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63990634/usa_today_12879904.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>With their 2-1 defeat against lower league opposition, the Fire may have lost more than just a chance at another Open Cup title</p> <blockquote>
<p id="xgirCP"><strong>Saint Louis FC 2</strong> Martz 17’, Abend 21’</p>
<p id="deSevE"><a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/"><strong>Chicago Fire</strong></a><strong> 1 </strong>Nikolic 72’</p>
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<p id="4Z48Zx"><a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2019/6/11/18659666/saint-louis-fc-chicago-fire-usoc-2019-round-4-preview-news-projected-lineups-how-to-watch">In my preview</a>, I said that this should have been easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy. I still firmly believe that. The Fire should have won this game going away. They had almost every advantage. They had an offence poised to get out of their scoring funk against lower league opposition, and a defense, while horribly out matched on most occasions, should have been up to the task against the 9th place team in the USL Championship Eastern Conference. </p>
<p id="r9gslV">The First five minutes looked promising. They forced STL goalkeeper Tomás Gómez to stand on his head; making three saves in the span of fifteen seconds. Even before that they had a quality look on goal that was also saved. But after seventeen minutes the Fire’s defense did what it always seems to do, and that’s break. </p>
<p id="Cxx6BI">Both goals were similar in nature. A cross comes in from one side; on the first goal, it was from the run of play, and the second a set piece. A fire defender loses their mark; the first goal was <span>Raheem Edwards</span>, the second was Marcelo. The Ball then gets headed past Kevin Kronholm who has zero chance to do anything about it. All of a sudden, the Fire are down two goals.</p>
<p id="flZE4V">The Fire got a consolation goal halfway through the second half when <span>Djordje Mihailovic</span> drew a penalty and <span>Nemanja Nikolic</span> put it into the top right corner with authority. They forced some more saves late as well, but couldn’t find the equalizer. The result is that the Fire are out of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/us-open-tennis">US Open</a> Cup. </p>
<p id="5uoCSq">But this game isn’t really about the result. Tonight wasn’t about the scoreboard, or the players playing badly. This game is about the Front Office and coaching staff’s absolute failure at putting together the 2019 Chicago Fire. </p>
<p id="4gVRWC">This result was set up way back in January. For whatever reason, the Chicago Fire brain trust decided that they were okay rolling the dice on unproven and untested talent at fullback, arguably the most important position in the modern game. Fullbacks do so much in the game. They’re attackers that have to be smart enough to know when to defend, and defenders that need to be smart enough to know when to attack. To not have nay natural fullbacks on the roster to start the season is tantamount to admitting that the season doesn’t matter. </p>
<p id="LMmr8J">Raheem Edwards and <span>Diego Campos</span> are clearly out of their depth. Edwards in particular is outmatched there every time he plays there. He is a good soccer player when asked to do things in his skill set. He’s good at being a nuisance for defenders, and can score a goal or two when he is around the box. He’s not good at positioning himself against defenders, nor good at tracking runs. The fact that he has to play at left back because they have nothing better is absolutely damning. </p>
<p id="Do1849">As for Campos, he always seems to be on the back foot— acting instead of reacting. He’s not great at reading attackers and their intentions. This causes him to be a half step late when closing out crosses. The problem here is that they have a better right back option in <span>Johan Kappelhof</span>, who was playing at center back, and had to be subbed off because of an injury for the second time in three games. </p>
<p id="3eq9JH">This was an unmitigated disaster, and if we had seen the signs, we would have seen this coming before the season started. Some of us did see the signs, and chose to believe that the offense would carry the day. That was my mistake. </p>
<p id="PgOigH">Joe Mansueto needs to be on the phone to Andrew Hauptman, and they need to fire everyone involved. They need to axe the technical staff, cut the scouts, let go the coaching staff, and future endeavor the general manager. The only way this gets better is going scorched earth. </p>
<p id="eOvEhn">The Chicago Fire (4W 6D 6L, 18pts, 9th place in MLS and out of the US Open Cup) are back in action June 22nd, at home vs <a href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/">Real Salt Lake</a>.</p>
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https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2019/6/11/18662313/saint-louis-fc-2-chicago-fire-1-usoc-2019-round-4-game-recapRuben Tisch2019-06-11T21:35:24-05:002019-06-11T21:35:24-05:00Saint Louis FC 2, Chicago Fire 1: Man Of The Match
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<img alt="MLS: U.S. Open Cup-Chicago Fire at Saint Louis FC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Qi_UMXVazdJ0021obwLn2Se9nog=/3x0:3683x2453/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63990266/usa_today_12879905.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Vomit</p> <p id="fsNbcB">After performances like that, It’s hard for us to pick a Man of the Match, but we still have to. After some deliberation, we went with <span>Dax McCarty</span> for his hard work trying to duct tape and WD-40 this team into something resembling a pro club. </p>
<p id="3H8gX7"><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>
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https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2019/6/11/18662028/saint-louis-fc-2-chicago-fire-1-usoc-2019-round-4-motmRuben Tisch2019-06-11T17:30:00-05:002019-06-11T17:30:00-05:00A deep run in the Open Cup could help the Fire save their season
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<img alt="Soccer: International Friendly Soccer-Mexico at USA" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G31FRO1VQHzO9ynSPc1FCpf9rM4=/0x0:8256x5504/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63989188/usa_today_11226399.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The start of their Open Cup campaign offers an opportunity for the Fire to reassess their priorities</p> <p id="dihQ6S">As Major League Soccer expands, there is a lot of debate on whether it is more important to win the Supporter’s Shield or MLS Cup. A full season consistently collecting points or catching the right form at the end of the year in a knockout competition is always the debate. But the most historic and coveted trophy in for soccer in this country is, without a doubt, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. </p>
<p id="gWfIGd">The oldest knockout competition in this country, with a huge purse and a CONCACAF <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions league</a> spot on the line, begins later tonight for the <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/">Chicago Fire</a> down in St. Louis. Supporters probably don’t need it, but here’s a quick refresher of the Fire’s storied success in this competition: four-time U.S. Open Cup champions and six-time finalists. The first cup run part of the famous debut double for the Men in Red, and the fourth title took them into elite status, one of only eight clubs to win the Open Cup four times.</p>
<p id="hRUODf">This competition is approached differently year to year for many teams; it is an opportunity for younger players to get minutes, rest older players, or try a new style of play. But make no mistake, this year <span>Veljko Paunovic</span> needs to sell out to win the U.S. Open Cup. </p>
<p id="sLaSsK">Let’s be realistic here. This team, while extremely talented in many areas, is not consistent enough to make a legitimate run at either the Supporter’s Shield or MLS Cup. The former is already out of reach, and do you trust this group to go on the road anywhere and steal consecutive games in the playoffs? The same team that hasn’t won an MLS road game in over an entire calendar year? Even with the new playoff format, I don’t at this stage of the season.</p>
<p id="BsmAcW">Paunovic, clearly a more successful tournament coach than everyday manager, has already guided this team to an Open Cup Semi, but he needs to get over the hump. I don’t think I am overstating here, but if this team misses the playoffs once again, an Open Cup run may be the only thing that he can do to keep his job. </p>
<p id="k7Ia86">He has the team to do it, and there’s no reason to think this Fire can’t win the Open Cup. Over 90 minutes, this team can hang with anyone in this competition. We’ve seen the way they can play when on the road at LAFC and Toronto, the win at home against NYRB. Stringing together five of their best performances over the next three months is all it takes.</p>
<p id="y7SqQR">I would usually call for rotation, younger players getting more minutes, and resting some of our core players, but they should put all the eggs in the Open Cup basket, beginning with tonight against Saint Louis FC. Go get #5.</p>
https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2019/6/11/18661387/cf97-chicago-fire-usoc-2019-save-their-seasonMick Maley2019-06-11T15:00:00-05:002019-06-11T15:00:00-05:00Saint Louis FC vs Chicago Fire: Gameday Primer, How To Watch, & Open Thread
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<img alt="Los Angeles Galaxy v Chicago Fire" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4Z3cv8qmilLG0IDNg3MPMY7dtto=/0x0:3335x2223/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63988241/72077369.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Lineups, streaming info, and live USOC coverage as the Fire face off against Saint Louis </p> <hr class="p-entry-hr" id="hC0YZu">
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<strong>Saint Louis FC vs </strong><a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/"><strong>Chicago Fire</strong></a>
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<p id="7b5xj8">Tuesday, June 11th, 2019</p>
<p id="q1aqAc">Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Round 4 | Hunter Stadium, St. Charles MO</p>
<p id="jkSg39">Kickoff: 7:30pm CT</p>
<p id="KlGyXs">Referee: TBD</p>
<p id="EdT4xI">Assistant Referees: TBD</p>
<p id="YF7wI7">4th Official: TBD</p>
<p id="0qLMSb">VAR: TBD</p>
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<p id="7iYoVD">In recent years, “Kings Of The Cup” has been thrown around by Fire fans with more than a little irony. It’s become a bitter reminder how what the Men In Red <em>used</em> to be. In that sense, the quest to win their fifth USOC title isn’t just about silverware— it’s reclaiming this team’s legacy. The Fire will continue that quest tonight in Saint Louis.</p>
<h2 id="PDdU94"><strong>PREVIEW & VIEWING OPTIONS</strong></h2>
<p id="69OgI5"><strong>Full Preview: </strong><a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2019/6/11/18659666/saint-louis-fc-chicago-fire-usoc-2019-round-4-preview-news-projected-lineups-how-to-watch">Fire @ STLFC</a></p>
<p id="a8Kn6g"><strong>Television</strong>: N/A</p>
<p id="2S70iE"><strong>Online Streaming:</strong> ESPN+</p>
<p id="Kpkvii"><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/2019-06-11-saint-louis-fc-vs-chicago-fire/preview">MLS Matchcenter</a></p>
<h2 id="HaluKq"><strong>SAINT LOUIS FC</strong></h2>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here is your <a href="https://twitter.com/Schlafly?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Schlafly</a> Starting XI for tonight's <a href="https://twitter.com/opencup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@opencup</a> match against the <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoFire?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChicagoFire</a>! <a href="https://t.co/Ahfi0U6wN3">pic.twitter.com/Ahfi0U6wN3</a></p>— Saint Louis FC (@SaintLouisFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaintLouisFC/status/1138590204862898176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2019</a>
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<h2 id="rB6bTR"><strong>CHICAGO FIRE</strong></h2>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We up for the cup. Our XI is here.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cf97?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cf97</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/ATT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ATT</a> <a href="https://t.co/3jCNrkUzd2">pic.twitter.com/3jCNrkUzd2</a></p>— Chicago Fire (@ChicagoFire) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoFire/status/1138593910836649989?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2019</a>
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<h2 id="V5iwvs"><strong>JOIN THE CONVERSATION</strong></h2>
<p id="1wKpTI">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>
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https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2019/6/11/18660905/saint-louis-fc-chicago-fire-usoc-2019-round-4-info-lineups-streaming-kickoff-timeBridget Gordon2019-06-11T12:30:00-05:002019-06-11T12:30:00-05:00The Race For History: Saint Louis FC vs Chicago Fire, USOC Round 4 Preview
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<img alt="MLS: U.S. Open Cup Final-New York Red Bulls at Sporting KC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kRzETAfqbYSblxHm8vTdlbUS9VI=/0x0:3218x2145/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63987218/usa_today_10295611.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Open Cup is upon us. History beckons. </p> <p id="5oFVr1">MLS Cups are nice, and so are Supporters Shields. A Champions League title would be epic, and a Club World Cup win would be sublime. But the Open Cup is something else. It is the history of the American game. It’s America’s longest running soccer tournament, and one of the oldest soccer tournament in the world.</p>
<p id="VsTavf">Wining the tournament means your name is etched in American soccer lore. It means joining the 105 names before it on the Dewar Trophy in the National Soccer Hall Of Fame. It means immortality in the way only a century of competition can mean. </p>
<p id="PmkKzv">The Fire, along with <a href="https://www.sounderatheart.com/">Seattle Sounders</a> and <a href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/">Sporting Kansas City, </a>are fighting for a special place in history. All three are on four tournament wins. One win less than both Maccabi Los Angeles of the 70’s and 80’s and Bethlehem Steel of the 1920’s. All three of the teams want to join in the pantheon of greatest soccer clubs of all time. All three want to win this tournament. </p>
<p id="olkw0K">The race for history starts right now. </p>
<h1 id="ALBIdL">Previously on… </h1>
<div id="IWRSah"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7zo-LdV_4M8?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<div id="quNrH5"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gn8VpY9kShU?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<div id="SBeaMo"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gn8VpY9kShU?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="fUHSuU">Saint Louis are doing okay, at the moment, They’re 1-3-1 in their last five games, with a win over Sporting KC affiliate Swope Park Rangers and their loss was against Hartford Athletic, managed by former MLS goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen. </p>
<h1 id="PL63zl">Suggested Lineup</h1>
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<p id="A86DXW">The trick with Open Cup lineups two fold, the First is that you have to maximize the number of Americans on the gameday roster. You can only have 8 non-Americans on the squad, so the first trick is figuring that out. There are 7 Americans in this starting XI, so that should help. Second, and most important, is to give players a chance to prove themselves that normally wouldn’t have the chance. </p>
<p id="s0J3i6">That’s why I want to see Andre Reynolds, Jeremiah Gutjahr, and <span>Grant Lillard</span> in the lineup. This game is the perfect time to see what the kids can do, and get a look at the future of the franchise. </p>
<p id="evYXUn">Also, with Calvo, Frankowski, and Katai away with their national teams, It’s as good a time as any for them to step up. </p>
<h1 id="m8UJG4">Keys To The Match</h1>
<p id="Ts5waI"><strong>Control the Game</strong>: The Fire need to play with the attitude of the big bad MLS bully. They need to give STL nothing and take everything. Smother them with possession and use your fitness edge to your advantage. Don’t worry so much about scoring The chances and goals should be a byproduct of controlling the match.</p>
<p id="f4uGZp"><strong>Don’t Waste Chances</strong>: That being said, when you have chances in front of net, don’t waste them. This game is the perfect opportunity to find that killer instinct that would help them once league play starts up again at the end of the month. Shooting accuracy has killed this team as much as defensive errors has, and it must get better. Now is a good time to start. </p>
<h1 id="vuCfuM">How To Watch</h1>
<p id="wctxR6"><strong>Television</strong>: NA</p>
<p id="Aw99Ok"><strong>Streaming</strong>: ESPN+</p>
<h1 id="SQflzN">Final Thoughts</h1>
<p id="92T6pt">It should be easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy. The Fire are have better quality at every position, and should be fitter and well rested. But it’s a cup tie and anything can happen. Saint Louis will bring their best effort. </p>
<p id="pDL04z">My prediction: STLFC 1-3 Fire.</p>
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<p id="lhESB3">What do you think? Do the Fire have this one in the bag? Or will it be more of a fight? Let us know in the comments below!</p>
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https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2019/6/11/18659666/saint-louis-fc-chicago-fire-usoc-2019-round-4-preview-news-projected-lineups-how-to-watchRuben Tisch2019-06-05T12:30:00-05:002019-06-05T12:30:00-05:00A Quick Refresher On The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup
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<img alt="Los Angeles Galaxy v Chicago Fire" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/48TmOJhgFuof1783HQx2Jp5ZYns=/0x0:2991x1994/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63954841/72027190.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>As the Fire begin their quest to reclaim the title ‘Kings Of The Cup’, we take a look at why this tournament matters</p> <p id="CNOloz">An old sports adage is that there is a reason they play the game, as the best team on paper does not always win, with underdogs pulling off upsets for the ages. That is particularly true in the Lamar Hunt <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/us-open-tennis">US Open</a> Cup, a tournament open to teams across America hoping to prove themselves, and one that usually presents a number of upsets and exciting moments. </p>
<p id="FF6DIh">With the competition off and running, and MLS squads getting ready to join in the fun, Hot Time In Old Town takes a look at the <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/">Chicago Fire</a>’s history in the USOC, celebrating their early successes and looking at what went wrong in recent cups, as well as what to look for in this season’s edition of the tournament. </p>
<p id="zdlCVh">The Fire claim the title of “Kings Of The Cup,” and based on their history in the tournament, the Fire have a strong case to support their claim, as the Men in Red lead all current Major League Soccer clubs with six championship game appearances, having lifted the trophy in four of those trips.</p>
<p id="WYcUeY">Chicago dominated the competition in the early stages of their existence, reaching the title game four times between their inaugural 1998 season and 2004. Overall, the Fire have a 42 win-16 loss-6 draw record in Open Cup play, with a +54 goal differential. The Fire have five different players with at least five or more goals during their Open Cup appearances, led by Andy Herron’s eight. That list is also peppered with Fire legends, as Ante Razov, <span>Josh Wolff</span>, Mike Magee and <span>David Accam</span> also providing at least five tallies for Chicago. </p>
<p id="c9snn4">The 1998 cup winning edition was the first and only Fire squad to achieve the domestic double, winning the league the same season. Led in scoring by Lubos Kubik and <span>Frank Klopas</span>, who each tallied twice in their tournament, the Fire beat local team Chicago Stingers in their first match before sneaking past the San Jose Clash 4-3 in penalties after ending regulation even with one apiece. The Fire then proceeded to take down the Dallas Burn 3-2 in Louisiana before securing the title on a 99<sup>th</sup> minute Klopas goal to defeat the Columbus Crew 2-1 at Soldier Field in front of a packed, wild stadium that erupted in joy at the winning goal. </p>
<p id="McSZ4m">Following an unceremonious bouncing in their first match in the 1999 tournament by the eventual champion Rochester Rhinos, the Men in Red came roaring back in 2000, winning their first three games by a combined 10-1. The Fire went on to defeat the <a href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a> in the semifinals before taking care of business against the Miami Fusion, both by a 2-1 score line, to win their second Open Cup. For the Fire, Ante Razov scored three goals and <span>Dema Kovalenko</span> added two, while a strong defensive unit only allowed three goals the entire tournament. Josh Wolff was by far the man of the tournament for the Fire though, as he scored an impressive six goals, including four against Dallas, and would later produce the 118<sup>th</sup> minute game winner against LA. </p>
<p id="LTNLS5">In 2003, the Fire continued their trend of winning the tournament the year after being eliminated in their first match by the Milwaukee Rampage. They began their 2003 quest against the Milwaukee Wave, an outdoor affiliate of the seven-time indoor champions who had replaced the Rampage, cruising to a 4-1 win before taking down the <a href="https://www.burgundywave.com/">Colorado Rapids</a> to set up a semi-final matchup against frequent foe LA Galaxy, who had eliminated them in the 2001 edition. The Fire stars came to play in that game, with <span>DaMarcus Beasley</span>, Razov and Damani Ralph scoring in quick succession in the second half to secure their 3-2 victory and set up a showdown with the Metrostars for the title. </p>
<p id="zfXGsx">After falling in the semi-finals during the 2005 edition of the Open Cup, the Fire came back with a purpose in 2006, claiming their fourth title in eight years. Facing all MLS sides on their way to their championship, the Fire ran through the Kansas City Wizards, <a href="https://www.thebentmusket.com/">New England Revolution</a> and DC United, before facing off with the Galaxy in the title game. </p>
<p id="h3xne3">As legendary as the Fire have been in the tournament, the last decade has not been as kind to Chicago. In recent years, the Fire have been joined atop the leader board by Seattle and Sporting KC, as Chicago has last won a title in 2006, and have not made it past the semifinals in ten of eleven seasons. During a stretch from 2008 to 2012, the Fire did not manage to win more than one game in any tournament, getting eliminated by lower division sides Michigan Bucks, Charleston and Wilmington Hammerheads. </p>
<p id="0aRKge">Chicago has gotten a little better recently, with the Fire advancing to the semi-finals in four of the last five editions, but ultimately lacking the quality to advance past other MLS sides that have put their strongest lineups forward in their quest for the Cup. Decisive eliminations by Philadelphia (twice), New England and Seattle have left Fire fans with a bitter taste in their mouths and put a damper on expectations for the rest of their remaining league seasons. </p>
<p id="kl6dHZ">On the bright side, 2019 feels a little different than years past, where by summer it was often apparent that the Open Cup was the Fire’s only shot at any silverware for the season, or where Chicago had to choose between league results and Open Cup wins. This is a very deep Fire side, capable of withstanding the added rigors of tournament play in addition to their league season, with a number of very cable options on their bench that can carry the squad. <span>Brandt Bronico</span>, Christian Martinez, <span>Mo Adams</span>, <span>Djordje Mihailovic</span> and <span>Grant Lillard</span> are all young and have proven themselves during league play, providing <span>Veljko Paunovic</span> lots of roster flexibility during the tournament. That rotation will help Chicago stay fresh throughout the tournament, and with their offensive ability and firepower, they should be able to overpower most opponents they will encounter. </p>
<p id="XVXoGk">The hope remains that the lessons learned from numerous semi-final appearances in recent years will provide some veteran savvy and motivation to this Fire squad, enabling them to use their experience in combination with their talent to get over the hump and return to the promised land.</p>
<p id="gLXMHR">The Fire begin their quest next Tuesday when they take on Saint Louis FC.</p>
https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2019/6/5/18537511/cf97-chicago-fire-usoc-2019-primerJoe Wachtveitl