This off-season has been one of the most exciting in many years for Chicago Fire fans. After years of underachievement both on and off the field, it appears the club is turning over a new leaf. For the first time in history, all three Designated Player slots on the Fire’s roster will be filled. The roster appears mostly set – not only before the July transfer window, but during preseason. Frank Yallop has overseen a massive roster shakeup as Head Coach and Director of Soccer. In addition to the on field changes, the club has also brokered a long term TV deal, opened a new soccer facility on Chicago’s North side, and renewed their sponsorship with Quaker. But amidst all the positive vibes emanating from Bridgeview, uncertainty still floats through the air. It has been years since the Fire were actually dangerous on the field, let alone a lock for the playoffs. Chicago fans long for a return to the glory days of their club, and the stakes are high every year at Toyota Park. This may be the make or break season for Frank Yallop’s project on Harlem Avenue.
Chicago Fire’s Offseason Rebuild
A year ago this past December, Yallop took the reins as Head Coach and Director of Soccer at the Fire, giving him full control over all soccer operations at the club. At his initial press conference, he mentioned that he wanted to play “high tempo” soccer, but that he “adjust(s) to the players” he has. Let’s just say there was a lot of adjustment and not a very high tempo on the field last year. Chicago struggled in possession, constantly ran out different lineups, and set the MLS record for draws.
Yallop inherited a terrible salary cap situation and a team lacking much identity aside from a lot of average midfielders and MVP Mike Magee. Handcuffed from many signings due to salary cap restrictions, the coach lined his squad up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Jeff Larentowicz as the midfield destroyer. This quickly turned into a more standard 4-5-1, before being abandoned midseason for a flat 4-4-2. From the get-go, the Fire lacked a strong spine.
This problem was partially Yallop’s fault – His biggest signing, center back John Kennedy Hurtado, finished the season with Chivas USA – while Patrick Ianni rode the bench and Larentowicz moved to center back next to Baky Soumare. As the Fire tied their way out of playoff contention, Yallop blamed the salary cap constraints and lack of quality players for the team’s woes. Chicago shed Chris Rolfe’s big salary, sold Juan Luis Anangono to Leones Negros, brought in Razvan Cocis and attempted to sign Jermaine Jones. This rebuild continued all the way until last month, with 18 players let go or retired and 11 signed, including Designated Players Shaun Maloney, David Accam, and Kennedy Igboananike.
There are similarities between last offseason and this one. For starters, the Fire are lining up in a new formation again. This year it’s a 4-3-3. Instead of a lack of forwards, the Fire now have shocking depth up top, with Magee and Quincy Amarikwa looking to be fighting just for a spot in the starting 11. The additions of Guly Do Prado and the aforementioned DPs are a major upgrade over Anangono and Earnshaw. Attackers like Patrick Nyarko, Harry Shipp, and David Accam will excel on the wings in this formation. Trinidad & Tobago international Joevin Jones should provide pace and offense at the left back position. Lovel Palmer has locked down the right back spot. Shaun Maloney should be a dangerous #10 in MLS and a positive influence on Harry Shipp. Even the keeper spot has been strengthened. Jon Busch has been signed to back up Sean Johnson during Gold Cup and to help him develop. But the trouble spots in the lineup are familiar ones.
Herein lay the other similarities between this preseason and last. The center defense has been rebuilt again, this time with even less certainty. Adailton is the presumed starter, but he is aging and has barely played in the past year. Eric Gehrig is a great squad player but was never a lock in the first 11 for Columbus. Matt Polster is a converted midfielder and a rookie. Once again, the center backs leave something to be desired.
The 4-3-3 also requires a strong central midfield anchor, just as the 4-1-4-1 does. Looking at this roster, that anchor simply isn’t there. Razvan Cocis is tidy with the ball but not speedy or game – changing. Matt Watson is aggressive but sometimes sloppy with the ball. Michael Stephens is a more attack minded player. Chris Ritter is still developing his game at the pro level. Alex looks like squad depth at this point. French international Alou Diarra was on trial with the team last week but has gone back to Europe to look at other opportunities.
For all the effort put into this rebuild, it seems the Fire still did not have a plan B for missing out on Jermaine Jones. I believe that when Frank Yallop pursued Jones last summer, he did it not to make a playoff push, but to get the dominant midfielder he needed so badly to make this team gel in 2015. Chicago was out-possessed in nearly every match last year. With Cocis and Watson lined up behind Maloney, they may have a difficult time keeping possession again.
Still, it’s hard not to be optimistic about this Fire squad. Accam and Maloney are top class players. The roster turnover has probably decimated the negative attitudes that permeated the locker room last season. Even with questionable defense, an attacking 4-3-3 is more fun to watch than Juan Luis Anangono helping to parallel park a bus in front of Sean Johnson for 90 minutes. Goals should be easy to come by at Toyota Park this year.
Frank Yallop claims he has always wanted to play proactive, attacking soccer in Chicago. With a little luck and a new CBA, his vision could take shape this season in Bridgeview. For his sake, I hope it does, because the fans in Chicago are running out of patience.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @jwhiting360. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Feel free to discuss this and other footy related articles with thousands of fans at r/football.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for?
Main Image:
