Author Archives: Anthony Z.

Fire end Rapids nine-game unbeaten streak

      BY ANTHONY ZILIS Last week, the Fire ended a 10-game winless streak by beating Toronto FC 2-0. This week, they showed it was no fluke, beating the defending MLS Cup champion Colorado Rapids 2-0 at Toyota Park. … Continue reading »

Posted in MLS- Chicago Fire, MLS- Colorado Rapids | 15 Comments

Fire Notebook: Pardo not yet fit to start after making practice debut and more

By ANTHONY ZILIS For years, Pavel Pardo planned on ending his career in MLS. Finally, after a long courtship with the Chicago Fire front office, the former Mexican international signed with the team early this week. He practiced the Fire … Continue reading »

Posted in MLS- Chicago Fire | 32 Comments

Fire let lead slip away, falls to Manchester United

    BY ANTHONY ZILIS The Chicago Fire weren't favored against Manchester United, especially after the English Premier League side drubbed the Seattle Sounders 7-0 just three days ago. Still, some of the Fire players felt like they let one … Continue reading »

Posted in Uncategorized | 15 Comments

Timbers snap winless skid with win in Chicago

BY ANTHONY ZILIS BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. — The Fire outshot them, hit two posts, and had the ball in their attacking third for much of the game. But for the Portland Timbers, who beat Chicago 1-0 Saturday at Toyota Park,  it … Continue reading »

Posted in MLS- Chicago Fire, MLS- Portland Timbers | 13 Comments

Chicago not expected to throw ‘very gifted’ signing Grazzini into fire right away

  Photo courtesy of Chicago Fire By ANTHONY ZILIS New Chicago Fire midfielder Sebastian Grazzini arrived in Chicago on Friday morning. The Argentine playmaker will be available for selection for Saturday's game against Portland, though head coach Frank Klopas doubts … Continue reading »

Posted in MLS- Chicago Fire | 17 Comments

Fire tie Sounders in Klopas’ coaching debut

  By ANTHONY ZILIS BRIDGEVIEW, Ill — Maybe Chicago Fire interim head coach Frank Klopas needed to do more than just make tweaks to his team, as he vowed earlier this week when he took over the position. Whatever the … Continue reading »

Posted in MLS- Chicago Fire, MLS- Seattle Sounders | 9 Comments

Johnson steals show as Fire, Red Bulls draw

   BY ANTHONY ZILIS The Chicago Fire (5-5-6) and New York Red Bulls (8-6-4) played to a 0-0 draw on Thursday in the first MLS game to feature five designated players. The game featured two Mexican internationals in their debuts, … Continue reading »

Posted in Uncategorized | 47 Comments

Fire counting on Ljungberg to provide creativity

Photo courtesy of the Chicago Fire  BY ANTHONY ZILIS When Chicago Fire head coach Carlos de los Cobos joined the Fire last offseason, he pledged that his team would play attractive soccer, with more short passing in the midfield. The departures … Continue reading »

Posted in MLS- Chicago Fire | 28 Comments

Fire introduce new DP Castillo

BY ANTHONY ZILIS Over two years have passed since Fire technical director Frank Klopas and managing director Javier Leon met Nery Castillo for coffee while on a scouting trip in England. At that point, Castilo was on loan to Manchester … Continue reading »

Posted in Uncategorized | 34 Comments

Fire end losing streak, close out out SuperLiga with win

BY ANTHONY ZILIS The Fire's SuperLiga performance can only be viewed as disappointing. Last season's runner-up in the tournament, Chicago was eliminated after the first two games. Still, even though Tuesday's 1-0 win against Pumas was meaningless in the tournament … Continue reading »

Posted in Uncategorized | 15 Comments