The Chicago Fire head into tonight’s game against UNAM Pumas mathematically eliminated from the 2010 SuperLiga. However, the Fire can play spoilers to Pumas, who need a miracle to advance. Expect this game to be entertaining from the first whistle, as Pumas needs to win by at least five goals to have any shot at advancing past the group stage. This should give the Fire, who has struggled to score all season, a chance to right the ship offensively. While this game may not mean a lot in terms of 2010 SuperLiga success, it means everything for the future success of the Fire. On a four-game losing streak, a victory would give this team a much needed confidence booster heading back into the MLS regular season.
The Fire has shown absolutely to team chemistry out on the pitch. This could be largely due to the fact that head coach Carlos de los Cabos seems to be tinkering with the line-ups every game. One move that has been beneficial for the Fire has been the decision to start backup goalie Sean Johnson, who looked spectacular in Saturday’s game against New England. He went 76 minutes without allowing a goal. This was a stark contrast to goalie Andrew Dykstra, who looked lost against Morelia giving up 5 goals.
By: Justin Mertes-Mistretta
On Saturday, coach De los Cabos started all four Fire rookies. With the result of tonight’s game being irrelevant in terms of tournament advancement, look for coach De los Cabos to continue to play his reserves extensively. Hopefully, someone rises to the occasion and provides some offensive firepower that can be used for future games. If the Fire has one bright spot on the offensive side of the ball, it’s rookie Steven Kinney, who scored the Fire’s lone SuperLiga goal against Morelia.
UNAM Pumas tied Morelia 2-2 Saturday, in what was one of the most exciting games so far in this year’s SuperLiga. Despite the hard fought outcome, Pumas is still yet to win a game in Group B. They will be looking to come out attacking right away against a reeling Fire team. With forward Francisco Palencia and midfielder Israel Castro, the Fire defense with have their hands full.
A win would be excellent against an experienced Pumas squad. However, the most important thing for the Fire tonight is for them to score goals. It would do more for the confidence of the team if they scored five goals and lost, as oppose to scoring one goal and losing. If the Fire can get back to scoring goals on a consistent basis, something they haven’t been able to in over a year, they may just be able to surprise people in the second-half of the MLS season.
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