Every once in a while I find myself a good soccer video that compels me to press replay over and over again. And ever since I started supporting the club all those years ago, not much has brought me greater entertainment on youtube than Chicago Fire videos made by either the Fire front office, the media or our very own fans. Now, Chicago Fire Blog has decided to get in on the act and produce its very own promo for your viewing.
All footage in this video was recorded during the Chicago Fire vs. Vancouver Whitecaps match Saturday night at Toyota Park and all credit goes to Fire supporters Geoff Stellfox and Zach Huey for putting together this great video. Enjoy!
With C.J. Brown set to return to Toyota Park on Wednesday night and receive one of the greatest honors any former Chicago Fire player could wish for, it’s only fitting we look back on some of the highlights from his illustrious 13-year career with the men in red.
The Fire will always be indebted to C.J. for his dedication to the club, both on and off the field. If you wish, feel free to share some of your favorite C.J. Brown memories in the comment section below. Otherwise, enjoy this clip of a player who will always be considered a legend in these parts.
The headlines have all been about Chris Rolfe this week and they have the potential to be the same this weekend with the 29-year-old in line for a first appearance in a Chicago Fire uniform since 2009. Rolfe told Chicago-Fire.com that he is “excited and ready to play” on Saturday. It remains to be seen whether Rolfe will be handed the start up front alongside Dominic Oduro or if he will be brought on as a substitute – or if he will even play at all – but hopes are high that he will be given the start and add some much needed attacking fuel. After all, the Fire’s new #18 has a history of scoring against Toronto FC.
One of those goals against the reds came at a crucial time in the 2008 season (Remember those days with Dennis Hamlett?) In the midst of a five game winless streak, the Fire welcomed Toronto FC to Toyota Park on July 12th, 2008 in hopes of regaining sole possession of third place in the Eastern Conference standings. John Thorrington was the hero that day with a fantastic 92nd minute winner, but Rolfe’s contributions can hardly be downplayed. Watch his stunning sixth minute goal and the rest of the highlights from that match. Let’s hope we see a repeat of this on Saturday. Continue reading →
Assistant coaches Mike Matkovich and Leo Percovich answer the media’s questions after the Chicago Fire’s 1-1 draw against the Houston Dynamo at Toyota Park. The match was called off in the 65th minute due to lightening. Both coaches had some good things to say and if you’ve never heard Leo’s accent, I would say this video is a must-watch.
“Our confidence is really high. I’m very proud of the team; I thought we stuck to our guns throughout the game and fought really hard. The most important thing is that at the end of the day we got three points. I thought we played really well and I’m looking forward to the next game.
“We’ve been working on crossing and finishing during training, hoping it was something we would see in the game, (Marco) Pappa delivered a great ball and I was in the right spot to put it in. I’m pretty much right where I left off last season. I want to keep it going with my teammates behind me, stay positive and work hard.”
“As a forward, it’s my job to score wherever the ball is, in the air or on the ground, I need to get to it. Pappa made a great delivery and I was right there to put it in. As to whether I’m working on headers or not, once the ball gets there I’ll use any part of my body, besides my hands, to score.”
Cory Gibbs:
“I couldn’t be more proud of the backline, especially the goalie. Paolo (Tornaghi) has had a rough road coming from overseas, regardless of the position he was in he stepped right in and played a spectacular game. The backline kept it strong and we got the shutout. “
“We have a lot more organization this season. Like any team that takes time, we’re a year plus into this with all of us together and the understanding has been great. We work on it every day and it’s improving every day. “
“That was his first game last week in Montreal, and the more we train together the better it’s getting. He had to make some big save today, but outside of that we’re trying to make his job as easy as possible and fit him into the team. He’s a great shot stopper and his composure is spectacular for his age, which comes from him playing for a big club in Europe. We could ask for more from him – his composure everyday in training is so laid back, he’s not nervous and that’s huge for us.”
Read immediate match analysis from the Fire’s opening night victory against the Philadelphia Union here. Be sure to follow @ChicagoFireBlog on Twitter for more updates.
