Hot Time In Old Town - Storystream: Everything Fire v RSL, all in one placeTRADITION - HONOR - PASSIONhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50655/htiot-fav.png2015-05-11T12:00:02-05:00http://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/rss/stream/83415542015-05-11T12:00:02-05:002015-05-11T12:00:02-05:00Inconsistency: Player ratings for Fire v. RSL
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<figcaption>Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Jones continues to look the best of the offseason signings</p> <p>While I did watch the Fire's game against Salt Lake Saturday afternoon, I had to do so not in my normal game day element. I attended a first birthday party for the son of a friend of mine instead of being at Toyota Park. The game was still on on in the background but at any social function there is so much going on, especially with kids running around, you can't have full attention on anything for much time especially for 90 minutes.</p>
<p>While watching the game (which was essentially watching for 3 to 4 minutes, then missing 3 to 4 minutes) - the thing that I noticed is that during the game there was so much inconsistency. One 3 to 4 minute spurt, the Fire would have possession and connect passes from the back all the way up field. Then I would walk away and come back, and the Fire couldn't string together passes to save their lives.</p>
<p>I was concerned that my inconsistent viewing schedule was the problem, so after coming home from the party, I watched the full replay. Unfortunately, what I saw then was still an inconsistent Chicago team that couldn't keep up with a well organized RSL team.</p>
<p>In honor of this inconsistency, I'm going to change the format for player ratings - again! I give you my</p>
<h5>3 stars of match</h5>
<p>My first star goes to <b>Joevin Jones</b>. He has been and continues to be the most consistent player on the Fire. Played well as the starting left back and when the Fire went down by 2 goals he was forced to play higher up on the left wing and became more dangerous. Supplied one of the most perfect crosses you'll ever see in the game of soccer with his deep, early cross into the penalty box and onto Kennedy Igboananike's foot. Jones has arguably been the best pick up of the off season so far.</p>
<p>My second star goes to <b><span>Lovel Palmer</span></b>. Yes, he should have came out to meet <span>Jordan Allen</span> on the first goal but overall he played decent defensively. It was the other side of the ball where his presence was felt. Offensively he was very active, balancing the attacking threat more than if <span>Eric Gehrig</span> started. He had two clear chances in the first half, one of a Shaun Maloney corner - (although that should have been put away but he put it into the ground and the ball bounced over the net.) The second chance was on a through ball from Maloney which he tried going near side but the ball ended up in the side netting. I don't see why Lovel does not start next week against NYCFC.</p>
<p>My third star goes to <b>Kennedy Igboananike</b>. The DP that has not seen a lot of playing time since coming to the Fire actually looked okay. He came in to the game in the 58th minute and looked like a striker that we needed. He hustled, he fought for the ball, and he had the best chance of the game from the Joevin Jones cross. Like Lovel Palmer, there should be no reason why KI does not start next week.</p>
<h5>Notes</h5>
<p>Where were you, <b>Harry Shipp</b>? I know he was not playing his favorite position of center mid as he had to play out on the wing again. To me he was not an influence on this game as he hardly touched the ball and when he did he only had a 63% pass completion rate. If the Fire want to win or even create more clear scoring chances, Harry Shipp has got to be an integral part of this teams attack.</p>
<p>What is going on inside that noggin, <b>Frank Yallop</b>? Are you thinking about taking a nap? Are you thinking about ice cream nachos? The one thing I noticed on the tactical side of things is that there was absolutely no adjustments made during the game. Yes, after the Fire went down by two goals, Frank brought on Igbo and <span>Jason Johnson</span> as attackers, changing the formation to a 3-5-2 - but any coach would do that if they are desperately seeking offense.</p>
<p>When RSL was playing a high pressure, there were no changes to help combat the high pressure. When there were moments of the game where the Fire's offense was not working and creating chances there were no adjustments in positioning or even switching the point of attack.</p>
<p>It seems as though Frank has a plan A and sticks with plan A no matter what in games like the one yesterday versus RSL. It will be interesting to see how Frank's game plan shifts as they head to the narrow field of Yankee Stadium home of NYCFC where the Fire are going to have to be more direct and not have the option of switching sides of attack.</p>
https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2015/5/11/8582123/ranking-inconsistency-fire-v-rslAdam Merges2015-05-09T18:20:27-05:002015-05-09T18:20:27-05:002 Guys, 1 Recap: Fire fall 2-1 to RSL
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<figcaption>Nick Rimando made some great saves Saturday, but the Fire failed to test him enough. | Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Fire had more chances, more corners and more possession but they failed to produce against a Real Salt Lake team that needed only two shots on goal. </p> <p class="p1"><i>Hot Time writers Jeff Engelhardt and Ryan Voyles were at Toyota Park Saturday to witness the ... ugh ... sadness of the Fire's 2-1 loss to Real Salt Lake. Here are their takes on the game. </i></p>
<p class="p1">What the Fire suffered Saturday at Toyota Park could be described as a Real-ly bad loss for a team that looked like it was poised to turn a corner.</p>
<p class="p1">No one enjoyed falling 1-0 to Sporting Kansas City on the road last week, but that loss came in a tough venue and off a three-game win streak. The team still managed to create chances and it seemed a manageable loss knowing a struggling Real Salt Lake team was coming into Toyota Park on a double-game week where fatigue could be a factor.</p>
<p class="p1">But the Fire reverted to early season form for too many stretches during the game and gave up two goals despite only two shots on goal from RSL. And despite outnumbering RSL 12 to 1 on corners, the Fire could find no finish from open play all game long.</p>
<p class="p1">So let’s get to it.</p>
<p class="p1"><b>Jeff: </b>For me, I saw two teams going through a pretty sloppy feeling out period in the first 10 to 15 minutes. Quincy Amarikwa teased some speed and the Fire managed some half chances, but there was some sloppy play as well, including a loose pass from Matt Polster that led to some confusion in the back before Joevin Jones swooped in to clean up. It was the first play of what would be a sterling game for Jones, who was by far the brightest spot on the team. Those first 15 minutes also featured a disinterested looking Guly do Prado who had a terrible first touch on his literal first touch of the game, which led to a turnover. But Ryan has some other thoughts on what he saw from do Prado as the first half progressed.</p>
<p class="p1"><b>Ryan:</b> For all the (deserving) flack he receives, I thought do Prado showed some flashes and looked much more comfortable than he has in previous matches. His burst down the right side early in the 2nd half provided the Fire with one of their best scoring opportunities in the game. Of course, this is not advocating for more do Prado, and I was one of many to nod in approval as he was subbed off by Igboananike in the 58’ minute. Speaking of, it seemed the Fire’s offense really came alive once Igbo came on the field, and he and Jones seemed to develop some real chemistry to crate deadly chances in the final third, especially one cross from Jones to Igbo in the later second half that forced a great save from Real Salt Lake keeper Nick Rimando.</p>
<p class="p1"><b>Jeff: </b>Agreed on the spark the team got with Igboananike, but let’s get back to that first half. If you want to know what a burst looks like, watch Jordan Allen, Real’s best player on the day. He broke free down the left side of the Fire’s defense to send in a perfect low cross to Alvaro Saborio who had an embarrassing amount of room and time at the top of the box. Saborio shot it to the low right side to beat Sean Johnson in the 13th minute. Saborio also had a fantastic effort later in the game that went off the post but was called offside anyway. The point is though, that Allen is the kind of player whose effort turns into results. He assisted on both Salt Lake goals and was an absolute nuisance on defense. Much more effective than do Prado’s "effort" today. That Saborio goal also takes me to my disappointment with Adailton in this game, who was caught on the backside of his man during both goals.</p>
<p class="p1"><b>Ryan</b>: Disappointment is the prevailing theme of Saturday’s match, especially with how much the Fire seemed to control the tempo throughout the day. The Fire had the advantage on shots (14-5), shots on goal (3-2), corner kicks (12-1) and possession (55.7%-44.3%), yet they had no answer for the calm and collected Salt Lake counter-attack. There was a sinking feeling throughout Toyota Park as the Fire spent the final 30 minutes chasing for the two goals to draw, especially with Rimando looking his usual stellar self in goal. An 88th minute penalty kick goal from Jeff Larentowicz perked up optimism, but the Fire once again leave a match looking for some answers in the final third.</p>
<p class="p1"><b>Jeff: </b>Let’s talk about why the Fire had to chase two goals. In the second half, it was more of the same from Allen who annoyed the left side of the Fire’s defense. The Men in Red were pressuring the ball but had a hard time forcing the turnover. Allen picked out a lurking Sandoval, who timed a quick and short run perfectly, beating Adailton. The space allowed him to pass the ball across the box pass a lunging Sean Johnson and sliding Joevin Jones. Luke Mulholland had to slide himself to reach the pass, but struck an absolute perfect ball top shelf to give RSL the 2-0 lead in 56th minute.</p>
<p class="p1">After that point the Fire put on more pressure, especially when Igboananike came in for do Prado. Jones sent in a perfect cross to the feet of Igboananike who did everything you could ask for but was denied by an amazing save from Rimando. Jones would strike again a few minutes later, this time going for goal himself, but again Rimando turned it away with a leaping one handed parry. The urgency the Fire showed in the last 20 minutes is how they need to attack more often. They were far too conservative with 55 percent possession.</p>
<p class="p1">For my closing thoughts, I’d like to touch on Shaun Maloney. He took a bit of criticism for this game, and some of it is certainly deserved. But I thought he took some really solid corners, including one in the first half that hit the foot of Lovel Palmer so perfectly I was amazed our favorite Jamaican missed the net. Of course it would be great if Maloney was Sebastian Giovinco, but it would also be great if some Fire players made a run to back post when he is consistently crossing to that area.</p>
<p class="p1">Take this recap home Ryan.</p>
<p class="p1"><b>Ryan:</b> I’ll agree with you on Maloney delivering some good corners throughout the match, and he was the one to draw the penalty kick (though it seemed more a sloppy challenge by Elisas Vasquez than anything Maloney did to earn the kick). This match showed just how important David Accam has become to this team. With the Ghanian serving a one-match suspension, few players outside of Jones were able to bring that mix of field awareness and burner speed to the offense. With only seven goals in eight matches, it’s time for someone to step up in the absence of Magee and Nyarko. With his effort Saturday, it may be time for Yallop to give Igbo another shot in the starting XI - he could not be much worse than do Prado or Quincy Amarikwa.</p>
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<p class="p1">Tune in next time as the Fire take on NYCFC at Yankee Stadium on Friday at 6 p.m.</p>
https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2015/5/9/8580329/two-guys-one-recap-fire-fall-2-1-to-real-salt-lakeJeff Engelhardtrvoyles882015-05-09T12:00:02-05:002015-05-09T12:00:02-05:00Fire v RSL: TV Schedule, Gamethread
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<figcaption>Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Men in Red find themselves favored to make it 12 points out of 12 at home</p> <p>Even without David Accam - suspended for his late-game lash-out at Jalil Anibaba on Sunday - the Chicago Fire are favorites in today's match against Real Salt Lake. This is owed partially to the Royals' terrible offensive struggles (no goals in 10 hours), and partially to the Men in Red's persuasive form in the early going (three wins in three).</p>
<p>The team last met a year ago at Toyota Park, when Salt Lake overturned a 2-1 deficit with two goals after 90 minutes to stun the Fire, 3-2. Only four of the Fire's starters in that game have played for the team in 2015.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>TV:</b> CSN Chicago <i>PLUS**</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Streaming:</b> MLS Live</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Radio: </b>97.5 FM ESPN Deportes</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><b>Out:</b> CHICAGO: David Accam (suspension), Mike Magee (hip), Patrick Nyarko (knee). SALT LAKE: Joao Plata (knee), Javier Morales (knee).</p>
<p>As always, treat this as the live gamethread. Keep your comments vicious. Or hilarious. Or loopy. Or, if you're Ruben, post pony memes. Make it the comment thread you want it to be! Or something.</p>
<p><span><i>** This is a last-minute change brought on by the White Sox rescheduling to tonight. The Fire game will start on CSN Chicago, but will be pre-empted by the White Sox. It will be shown in its entirety on CSN Chicago Plus.</i></span></p>
https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2015/5/9/8577527/chicago-fire-v-real-salt-lake-mls-8-live-stream-tv-schedule-team-newsSean Spence2015-05-09T10:00:02-05:002015-05-09T10:00:02-05:00Interesting Times: Fire v RSL, MLS #8, preview
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<img alt="Joao Plata (L) and Olmes Garcia celebrate the winning goal in last year's Fire-RSL match in front of a despairing Sector Latino." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4cIc9tE3ukD4f3flqSemKXxDCI0=/155x250:1700x1280/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46304118/usa-today-7898298.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joao Plata (L) and Olmes Garcia celebrate the winning goal in last year's Fire-RSL match in front of a despairing Sector Latino. | Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>When Chicago's misfiring strikers meet Salt Lake's misfiring team, who knows what will happen?</p> <h5>The situation</h5>
<p>The Fire came into last Sunday's game against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/">Sporting Kansas City</a> riding a three-game winning streak and buoyed by general acclaim about their turnaround. Unfortunately, a one-dimensional game plan and some thoughtless officiating brought that streak to a grinding halt, as KC won the resulting 1-0 grinder with Paulo Nagamura's header.</p>
<p>Put simply, Chicago's game plan was 1.) Find David Accam quickly after a turnover and let him out-run the Sporting defense; 2.) Find Accam quickly after a restart and let him out-run, etc.; and 3.) See 1. and 2. Sporting answered with the simple ‘tactic' of grabbing the Ghanaian by the jersey, holding for two steps, then releasing, bottling our lightning-bolt winger and daring the match official to call it. He didn't, and the Men in Red didn't adjust to it; instead of slowing down and keeping the ball (as they had done prior to Accam's return from injury), the Fire hammered again and again at that square peg, just sure that the next whack would drive it into its round hole.</p>
<p>So, what now? If the Fire intended to skip the three-man midfield of Sporting, how much more tempting will it be to do so against the traditionally packed central zone of Real Salt Lake? Or will the Men in Red remember they can keep the ball on the deck, and thereby return to the fluid pass-and-move game that drove their winning streak?</p>
<p>Since Accam is suspended, expect to see Chicago start Joevin Jones on the left wing with <span>Lovel Palmer</span> returning to deputize at left back. Word is that Mikey Stephens has practiced all week - could he slot in as Mr. X next to Matt Polster? <span>Chris Ritter</span>, last week's starter in that position, is the most defensive and direct of the options there, which makes his selection against KC understandable, as defensive directness was the order of the day.</p>
<p>There's also Razvan Coçiś and Víctor Pérez to consider - a/k/a the Midseason-Waiver Cap-Space All-Stars. Are they really in the mix for the XI at this point, or are they very good practice fodder? Yallop has a chance to throw quite a few surprises at Salt Lake manager Jeff Cassar if he wishes to.</p>
<p>We've now seen 630 minutes of competitive football from this Fire team, and have yet to watch a striker score a goal. It's simple enough, at this point: The first guy from <span>Quincy Amarikwa</span>, Guly do Prado and Kennedy Igboananike who can show he can finish will start. Build-up play, functioning within the team, pressing, attitude, effort, wanting-to - QUI BENE? Strikers gotta score. Gentlemen, the time is now.</p>
<h5>The opposition</h5>
<p>Salt Lake enters the game both weary and filled with doubt. Wednesday's lightning-delayed 0-0 thriller against Los Angeles extended their scoreless streak over 600 minutes - think it's frustrating that our strikers aren't scoring? The Royals have played 10 HOURS of football since anyone wearing their badge celebrated a goal. That's crazy. They haven't won a game since Easter Sunday.</p>
<p>They also are nowhere near full strength. <span>Javier Morales</span>, now 35, simply carried this team to their two wins, but he won't play today due to injury. Neither will <span>Joao Plata</span>, the Ecuadorian winger who sparked last season's comeback Salt Lake win in Chicago. Inspirational Homegrown <span>Jordan Allen</span> might also miss after being called up to the USA U-20 squad for the youth <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-cup-2014">World Cup</a>.</p>
<p>None of which means this will be a walkover. Salt Lake is a team in transition, surely, as the old-guard axis of Saborio-Morales-Beckerman-Olave-Rimando gets slower and longer in the tooth, but they're also the organization which has built one of the best talent-production pipelines in the USA. The challenge around the Wasatch Front is to manage the ascendance of the latter without destroying the chemistry of the former.</p>
<p>To that end, expect the Royals to maintain a narrow diamond midfield and use like-for-like swaps in today's game - long-term project <span>Luis Gil</span> will move from shuttler to schemer, taking Morales' spot at the tip of the diamond, with the workmanlike <span>John Stertzer</span> moving into Gil's old spot. <span>Luke Mulholland</span> is creative and responsible in the other shuttling midfield role.</p>
<p>We've said this repeatedly this year, but it keeps applying: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/">Real Salt Lake's</a> central defense is generally solid, but can be had for pace. Jaime Olave is still a battering ram, but has lost a crucial step and no longer bosses the back line so imperiously. Chris Schuler's return from injury helps them, but how will he respond to his second game in four days?</p>
<p>The stop-start nature and late finish of Salt Lake's game on Wednesday could dictate more squad rotation from Cassar than we're used to. If that's the case, look for names like <span>Devon Sandoval</span> or Sebastian Jaime in the lineup.</p>
<h5>Key matchups</h5>
<p><b>Shipp & Maloney v Beckerman: </b>If Chicago elects to keep the ball rather than playing on the counter, the ability of Harry Shipp and Shaun Maloney to ask varied questions of a defense will be crucial, as the Royals defense is vulnerable when Beckerman gets pulled side to side.</p>
<p><b>Chicago strikers v themselves: </b>For the luvva Zoroaster, gentlemen. Shots on goal, please.</p>
<p><b>Polster & Mr. X v the RSL diamond: </b>Matt Polster's coming off his worst game as a pro; were the tactics to blame, or is his form deflating? Today's matchup will ask a great deal of the Rookie of the Year candidate, as he and his midfield partner will likely be outnumbered in the middle, again.</p>
<h5>What I'll be watching for</h5>
<p><b>Can the Fire adapt during the game?</b> Last weekend, it was obvious within about five minutes that Sporting were set up to deny the quick counter to Accam. Somehow, the Fire never got the memo, continuing to ping hopeful balls into space deep into the second half. Especially frustrating, as KC's midfield seemed ready to concede the kind of possession which the Men in Red have routinely turned into chances this season.</p>
<p><b>How does Polster look?</b> The rookie's lights-out play has been the true surprise of the early season for the Fire; is that his level? Please, please tell me it is ...</p>
<h5>The bottom line</h5>
<p>The betting line aggregate <a href="http://www.betbrain.com/football/united-states/mls/chicago-fire-v-real-salt-lake/">at BetBrain.com for this one</a> is promising to Fire fans: 45% chance of a win for the Men in Red, with a 29% chance of a draw.</p>
https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2015/5/9/8577317/interesting-times-fire-v-rsl-mls-8-previewSean Spence2015-05-09T09:00:02-05:002015-05-09T09:00:02-05:00Fireside Chat: 3 questions on CF97 v RSL
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<img alt="The Royals placed a long-term bet on Luis Gil as a 16-year-old; they hope the 21-year-old is about to pay it off." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dqVuSsOqFws9dRz5yaP2JHCsgEk=/0x72:2575x1789/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46303894/usa-today-8554093.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The Royals placed a long-term bet on Luis Gil as a 16-year-old; they hope the 21-year-old is about to pay it off. | Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>On grooming Luis Gil, the greying of the Morales/Beckerman midfield, and the pipeline from Arizona</p> <p><i><b>HT:</b> How crucial to Salt Lake's aspirations this season are classic <span>Javier Morales</span> performances from Javier Morales? Morales is a tough guy, but time has its way with everyone, and Javi's 35. What's the team's ceiling in his absence?</i></p>
<p><b>RSLS:</b> This is a tough question to answer. Javier Morales is absolutely still key to RSL's success. Over the first four or five games Morales pretty much carried RSL on his back. Morales is going the route of Ryan Giggs where he is not losing much with his age by doing yoga and ice baths and those sorts of things. I foresee him playing a few more years and doing well. On the other hand, when <span>Luis Gil</span> has replaced Morales as the driver of the RSL offense, he has done well. Gil's ceiling is very high and when he plays that position consistently should flourish. The RSL front office has been grooming him for years to take over for Morales whenever that happens.</p>
<p><i><b>HT:</b> Speaking of Morales, what's the club's succession plan for he and Beckerman? I'm curious how RSL fans view the prospect of these final few key players from the peak years getting longer in the tooth - describe, as they say, the feels.</i></p>
<p><b>RSLS:</b> As I mentioned Luis Gil being groomed, there are other players being groomed as well. RSL should have a smooth transition when the likes of Beckerman and Rimando end up having to retire. The RSL residential academy is one of the best in the country according to many people that know much more about residential academies than I do. We are now starting to see the fruits of that with the likes of <span>Jordan Allen</span>, Sebastian Saucedo, Justin Glad, and many others that are working their way up through Real Monarchs and hopefully <a href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Salt Lake</a>. I personally am really excited for the coming years because anybody that watches these players can see the potential that they have. They are really young players - people in their late teens or very early twenties and they are doing some fantastic things on the field. I don't think anybody likes the idea of losing the core over the past seven years because they have become such a fabric of the club, but I am anxious to see what the future holds.</p>
<p><i><b>HT:</b> Given that the team played Wednesday night, how much squad rotation would you expect from the Royals in Saturday's game? </i></p>
<p><b>RSLS:</b> I expect a few positions to see some rotation, particularly in the midfield and forward positions. There are not very many options at center back for rotation with the injury of <span>Chris Schuler</span>, but since the beginning of 2015 there have been minor changes every game. RSL's busiest month is arguably May so Cassar will do his best to manage minutes, especially with the veteran players.</p>
<p><i><b>HT:</b> Who's the next big prospect in the pipeline from RSL Academy? </i></p>
<p><b>RSLS:</b> Brooks Lennon seems to be getting the most attention but it looks like he is likely going to Liverpool.</p>
<p><b>Best-guess lineup:</b> Rimando, Mansally, Vasquez, Olave, Beltran, Beckerman, Gil, Mulholland, Saborio, Garcia, Sandoval</p>
<p><b>Game prediction:</b> 1-1</p>
<p><i>Our thanks to </i><a href="https://twitter.com/randalserr">Randal</a><i> for answering our questions! If you'd like to see their questions and our answers, visit </i><a href="http://www.rslsoapbox.com/">RSL Soapbox</a><i>.</i></p>
https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2015/5/9/8577071/fireside-chat-three-questions-on-fire-v-rsl-with-randal-serr-of-rslSean Spence2015-05-09T08:00:02-05:002015-05-09T08:00:02-05:00Uncertainties: Tactical thoughts about Fire v RSL
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<p>Which tactics should the Fire employ to take the game to RSL without David Accam?</p> <p>At this point in the season, it's time to change the structure of our weekly look at the Tactical approach of our Fire and their opponents. Let's expand our discussions by reviewing the success of the tactics employed during the last game as well as a preview of the tactics for the next game. One of the reasons to discuss things tactical is to examine one's strengths in order to build on them as well as expose one's weakness in order to "fix" them - or at least minimize them.</p>
<h5>Last game: Deserved a draw, got a loss</h5>
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<p>Last week at Sporting Park, the Fire continued to use their 4-2-2-1-1 tactical arrangement with Polster and Ritter as the 2 in the 4-2 while the 2-1-1 of Accam-Shipp-Maloney-do Prado carried over from the last game. For the Fire on defense, the 4-2 worked well for most of the first 75 minutes as the Fire's back six closed down space, clogged the passing lanes and either tried to maintain possession or played the ball over the top to David Accam on the wing. For the Fire on offense, the -2- worked very well for David Accam as he was able to spread the field and use his pace to get behind Sporting's defense. If Accam or his teammates made better use of the ball in the attacking third of the field (or AR2 flagged the obvious 2nd yellow card foul by Sinovic) the outcome should have been very different for the Fire.</p>
<p>SKC lined up in their 4-3-3 tactical arrangement with Mustivar holding down the DM spot of the midfield behind Feilhaber and Espinoza while Zusi, Dwyer and Nemeth started as the top 3. For KC on defense, the trio in the middle were able to deny both Maloney and Shipp space and time on the ball while pressuring Polster and Ritter to hurry their service to DoPrado or Accam. On offense, SKC's midfield triangle maintained ball possession and made Polster and Ritter expend buckets of energy chasing the game - which caused their failure to track Nagamura into the penalty area on the game winning goal.</p>
<p>Clearly the Fire tactical game plan worked well enough to earn them a point on the road playing in one of the most challenging parks in MLS - but failure to finish their chances and the inconsistent whistle in the center tipped the final result to <a href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sporting Kansas City</a>.</p>
<h5>This game: our Fire host <a href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Salt Lake</a>
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<p>On Saturday at Toyota Park, the Fire line up against a Real Salt Lake team in a transitional year - a new coach experimenting with a new tactical formation at one of the most consistently competitive clubs in MLS. In the last four games, Coach Cassar has played a 4-3-3 twice (a 0-1 loss to Vancouver and a 1-1 tie with San Jose) or a diamond 4-4-2 twice (a 0-0 tie with LA and a 0-4 drubbing by New England).</p>
<p>Looking deeper, both 4-3-3 formations were played against opponents who were also playing 4-3-3 while both diamond 4-4-2s were played against other formations - one formation was a 4-2-3-1 (New England) and the other was a 4-4-2 (LA). On Saturday, does RSL bring on the 4-3-3 because they expect our Fire to come out in a 4-3-3 OR do they revert to 4-4-2 diamond because they expect our Fire to play something else ... like a 4-1-4-1 or a 4-2-3-1? Does Coach Cassar try to be reactive on the road and guess the Fire's formation - or does he try to be proactive and come out in the new-look 4-3-3?</p>
<p>Our Fire will be without the pace and strength of David Accam on Saturday (because his hand-flick into the face of <span>Jalil Anibaba</span> was red card worthy to referee Jose Carlos Rivero - insert your own scathing rant as you read this). Early in the season - before David Accam was healthy - Coach Yallop used the diamond 4-4-2 (that in a loss), the 4-1-4-1 (two losses), and the flat 4-4-2 (a win). Since David has been available, our Fire have used the 4-2-2-1-1 three times, winning twice.</p>
<p>Since it's a home game for our Fire on Saturday, conventional wisdom says Coach Yallop should pick a tactical formation to set the tone, pressure RSL, and dictate the play. Do you think the Men in Red should continue to use the 4-2-2-1-1 with Joevin Jones in place of David Accam and <span>Lovel Palmer</span> at LB? Do you think our Fire should go back to a 4-1-4-1 with Shipp and Maloney at the inside AM positions?</p>
<p>Does the Fire coaching staff have a different tactical formation which can better play to the strengths of the players they have available and are in good form in training? Voice your thoughts in the comments section below.</p>
https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2015/5/9/8572273/tactical-thoughts-fire-host-real-salt-lakeCoachTony