What's wrong with the Chicago Fire?

It was the kind of day Chicago Fire fans dreamed of.

A 5-1 destruction of the New York Red Bulls had the Fire in first place, had Fire fans in ecstacy thanks to some sweet revenge on former coach Juan Carlos Osorio, and had plenty of people talking about a team capable of winning an MLS Cup. That dream day was a month ago.

The Fire hasn't won an MLS match since.

Three straight losses, including a pair of consecutive road shutout losses capped by last night's 2-0 loss to Chivas USA, suddenly has the once-might Fire looking very vulnerable. From an offense that has mustered just one goal in three games, to a defense that has begun showing cracks, Chicago doesn't look like the same team that was shredding opponents in May.

So what is going wrong? Is it the defense? Is it the midfield not creating chances or is it the forwards (Chad Barrett, we're looking at you) not finishing the chances? Is all the Brian McBride talk unsettling the team as players begin wondering if they're on the way out?

Injuries and at least one national team call-up (Gonzalo Segares) have played their parts, but you can't help but wonder if the Fire's problems go beyond some injuries.

What do you think is going wrong Fire fans? Is it just a slump like every team in MLS goes through? Or is it a sign of some very real issues? Share your thoughts below.

Comments

[William the Terror]

what's wrong with the fire?? judging from the photograph, nothing that a nice group hug won't cure!!

honestly, maybe they're all inviolved in a goal-shaving conspiracy to convince Don Garber that they really do need Brian McBride.

[ADG]

You know what might help Chicago? A forward who could finish the great chances provided by Blanco, et al. If only there were an international quality forward available on a free transfer who wanted to play for Chicago...

[me]

Its easy, Barrett stopped getting lucky in his finishing...

The guy is an absolutely terrible forward. He had a nice little run off luck to start the season and Chicago reaped the rewards. Now hes back to being the guy who can't finish worth sht and Chicago is starting to show its impotency in attack. If this keeps up I think Chicago will be more then willing to meet any demands TFC may have in order to bring in McHead to replace Barrett.

[Don]

I was REALLY disappointed (to say the least) with last night's game against Chivas. Had Barrett nailed the early sitter it could have been an entirely different game. It seems to me that blowing gilt-edged opportunities just wears the team down. For example, they played much better 11 v 11 than 11 v 10. If they had continued to move the ball against a 10-man Chivas the way they did in the first 30 minutes, they could have realistically come away with 3 points (no guarantees, but still). The Fire just need someone to finish. I'd be happy to see Barrett & Conde go to Toronto to get Brian Mc!

[Curtis Spiteri]

Missed chances play havoc on momentum and confidence. Fire should unload Barrett while he has some worth. Too bad, b/c I like the kid.

[Aguinaga]

The Fire problems start from the double standard and hypocrisy of the front office and run all the way down to the inferiority complex and delusion of grandeur nature of their fans. Blog reports aren't going to cut it as group solution centers either. They require intensive, professional, long term therapy, the lot of 'em. :D

[Ossington Mental Youth]

It could be suggested that the McBride issue has everyone in a tizzy, not knowing whos going and whos staying...

[jpc]

there is nothing inherently wrong w/ the fire. Inconsistency is simply part of playing in the MLS, because there is such a lack of depth, that when your best players are going through a rough patch, you really don't have any quality to step in and pick up the slack... I think

[frank]

CHAD BARRETT- simple. forwards are getting chances,last night barrett by himself blew it for chicago. look at dcu early on gallardo and the rest of the midfeild we're setting up great passes but nor emilio or anyone was burying them. now what's the difference in dcu? same team only difference is they're putting them away.

[nicholas s.]

They are in a lackluster daze as the players are shocked by the audacity and hypocrisy of their organization who only decided to champion "what a player wants" only when it directly benefits their interests.

[smokeminside]

Nothing that having several team members participating in the pending MNT wipeout of Barbados won't cure. Barrett et al. probably feel better already.

[FCU]

Maybe Rolfe and Barrett actually feel guilty for snaking Kenny Cooper's spot on the depth chart.

[HomeyBoehme]

I don't think Toronto would want Barrett. In fact, I doubt there is another club in the MLS that would want Barrett. I wouldn't want Barrett playing for the MN Thunder. Heck, I wouldn't even want him for my Sunday night rec team (alright, fine...I'd take him for my rec team).

Barrett knows his head is on the chopping block, especially after a horrible night like that.

The longer the Fire wait to deal w/Toronto for McBride, the worse this run for the Fire will get.

[RK]

What's going on? Parity. DC is revitalized, KC has collapsed, for example...there haven't been many consistent teams this season.

[Mikebsiu]

Theres no creativity in the side. Except for the opening minutes, no through balls were played to the strikers. We shouldnt be content to just hoof the ball up field, or just cross it in the box. Also, there were many sloppy passes that ive noticed lately. Completing passes should be simple, by for some reason we are struggling to do that. Lastly, finishing. Had Barrett finished that opening chance, the whole game would have been different. At this level, we might only get one or two chances, and you have to take them, this isnt a rec league. McBride cant come soon enough.

[Curtis Spiteri]

Probably right smokeinside, but if Barrett can't score against a team full of semi-pros then he should think about changing professions.

Barrett has more to lose than gain if he gets on the field this weekend. It would be tough to come back home if he blows all his chances to score against an adult rec-team this Sunday.

[Fumar]

Hey Nick - Marmol didn't "want" to play with NY and Conde was under contract. So stop pouting! Plus last time I checked Conde's hometown is Cali, Columbia not New Jersey.

[kpugs]

Fire fans are so original and intelligent, and they are extremely creative thinkers. As a fan of the game in general I look up to them because they never complain, no matter what deal life hands them. They are a testament to the American soccer community.

Oh wait.

[Smith]

God is punishing the Fire for being assholes

[brett]

there was a slew of things wrong last night....

1) Barrett- this kid does the work and puts in the extra effort to get into scoring positions, but lacks that strikers finishing touch... its infuriating

2)Teams are figuring out how to take Blanco out of the game.... extremely physical.... with blanco's anticts early in MLS career, refs are calling "fouls" less on him... even if he is truely fouled, his "cry wolf" anticts end of last season stop alot of "should be" calls..

3)Segares- the guy adds alot to the defensive aspect as well as the offensive...

4) the Fire didnt get physical back when CUSA started geting physical... everyone should take a page from CJ's book from time to time... when he laid out Kljestan, Sasha seemed to lay off for the time being...

5) we went up a man at half and came out like pansies.... CUSA took it to us head on... Preki played a very VERY smart game...

6) the Fire tried WAY to many long balls that ended up easily intercepted or went out of bounds or to Guzan... they didnt slow it down and open CUSA up...

7) oh did i forget BARRETT'S OPEN SITTERS!!

[Fumar]

As for the Fire, the problem last night is plain and simple - CHAD BARRETT. He puts those two away and we walk out with at least a point. It changes the teams entire mentality and they probably end up winning that game. But as for the Fire's recent skid, I think Hamlett's to blame. The guys has not changed his strategy even though the personnel has changed. TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT DENIS! and I don;t know how you leave Barrett in for the second half. He was shaking like a leaf out there. He has to come off. Denis is much to loyal to chad, whose prove again and again he's not worthy of trust. BAH! At least This is an issue that needs the utmost in sensitivity and other good stuff. At least San Jose’s next. If we can’t get a win at home against that team it’s all over and we need to mortgage this team off.

[Haig]

Smith: correct.

"If only there were an international quality forward available on a free transfer who wanted to play for Chicago..."

His name isn't Brian McBride, who is NOT available on a free transfer to Chicago. However, if they were willing to pay Toronto, then they could easily have such a player.

[Haig]

"2)Teams are figuring out how to take Blanco out of the game.... extremely physical.... with blanco's anticts early in MLS career, refs are calling 'fouls' less on him... even if he is truely fouled, his 'cry wolf' anticts end of last season stop alot of 'should be' calls.."

Ain't karma a bitch? Hahahahahaha.

[brett]

Smith- the fire have done nothing wrong.... Conde was under contract and the fire wanted him in their lineup... but due to a slew of injuries he's seen little to no time...

Marmol was rightfully ours for the picking... and instead of attempting to barter with us, NY simply thought we'd roll over and let them have him... Marmol wants to play, simple... and while he may have been comfortable in NY, we wanted him in Chicago...

NY didnt offer anything worth while for either player...

[brett]

Haig- yes i would say quite ironic eh??

you'd find out that most fire fans were irritated by the "milking" of fouls... but none would be too vocal about it as it was helping our team...

and now we do see that karma is a bitch... as now we have a blanco who is leaving it all on the field and even staying on his feet... yet b/c of the antics prior we are seeing fewer calls actually being made... hopefully karma will end soon :-/

[brett]

Barrett is proving at best he is a sub quality player for MLS teams.... he can come in at the 70th min and bring his work ethic against a slowed defense... perhaps a sub is what he should be....

id like to see Frankowski and rolfe up top.... thorington out wide, and ONLY pause in the mid behind Blanco... we play with 2 def. mids and its not helping our attack anymore

[Victor]

I would like to see Rolfe stay up top, but anyways I just wish Mcbride could come to us asap. Maybe we do deal Mapp, I'm not sure but I'm hoping Barrett goes to Norway where he has been linked to. They made a comment about him when Herron was getting ready to come into the game and Barrett thought it was probably him coming off.....thats just not good.

[brett]

victor- a forward was coming in when they are playing with 1 forward.... it seems obvious....

i mean if Noble were coming in, dont you think Bucsh would think he was coming off?? Herron does not play wing, he does not play center mid... Barrett saw him coming in and assumed he was being pulled b/c he's the only forward...

[Fumar]

. . . and he blew two easy goals. Which would warrant him sitting.

[Carlos]

Sure lets beat a dead horse: The problem is Chad Barret AKA "YOU F*@$#ING SUCK". He is so absolutely useless. What is Bradley thinking calling him into the National Team.

[Mikemike]

Yeah. I think it is karma.
If Chicago continues to falter, this may be the a moment of spiritual enlightenment for me.
Maybe there really is a such thing as "justice" in this world.
I guess I will have to wait and see.
-Mike

[EdTheRed]

Chad Barrett. The Zach Wells of MLS forwards.

[CD]

You write the caption:

"Can't a brother get some love around here."
Bakary Soumare

[EDB]

I say its a few things..

1) CJ is playing .. he got beat last night being on the wrong side of his mark and the ball
2)Guti for some reason is starting to give way to much space, even in the box
3) it seems like the fire changed the style. they have seemed to bunker down more and cut dont on the attacking style they had early
4) Barret is inconsitent. When he misses chances they struggle.. when he makes them they soar. I bet if that first goal goes in its a different game
5) Hamlett in the begning in the year going with the if it aint broke dont fix it route.. well now's broke lets see if he fixes it..

[John]

I don't think that the Chicago play is that extreme.

1. Barrett was hot, they had Segares. Now they don't have Segares and Barrett has returned to form. That makes a difference.

2. Chicago was never that strong at home. They were killing people on the road. And that's because they're a team designed to let Blanco do whatever he wants, everyone works hard and helps out and they always have a minimum of 7 guys behind the ball. In short, they're a great road team and very similar to the team JCO put together last year (no surprise) in that they defend first, second and third and look to counter.

But now teams are adjusting (no surprise). Yeah, Blanco is getting mugged. But no more than any other gifted playmaker in MLS (check Gallardo, Christian Gomez and Guevara to see how many beatings they take--it's about the same). The difference is: if Blanco is neutralized than the Fire are hurting bigtime, their counter scheme just doesn't work as well. And if they give up an early goal, then suddenly that great defense has to play with only 3-4 bodies back and they don't look as impressive.

4. Look at their last 4 matches:
--owned by DC United who is looking like the team everyone said they'd be in preseason.
--beat a Crew team that was playing slumping at the time and gave up 2 goals to them when they were having trouble scoring.
--lost to FCD and Chivas both on the road (where if Chicago gives up a goal, they have to put numbers forward and suddenly they don't look so impressive).

5. Last of all, Justin Mapp is the posterboy (and Eddie Gaven is right behind him) for the MLS player who goes from world beater to "was he even on the field?" performance from game to game.

[William the Terror]

@CD: my "you write the caption" would be from the movie Tommy Boy.

"Brothers don't shake hands. Brothers gotta hug."

[ag nigrin]

I predicted both the Crew and Fire would inch down the table as the season progressed... In the case of Chicago, I am glad!

[aristotle]

I would like to see Chad Barrett teamed up with Eddie Johnson on the USMNT for their upcoming qualifier with Barbados. It could be billed as the All Headcase Attack!

[John]

It's MLS... ultimately everyone is between a 35-50% winning percentage.

DC won the Supporters' Shield winning 16 of 30 games.

[nicholas s.]

Nothing funnier than watching Fire fans scramble to excuse their team and in the same breath demanding the TFC give in to their every whim.

It's a little sad.

[Jeffrey]

I still think it is ironic that McBride rights are held by Toronto because he is a National Team Player. But he is an AMERICAN national team player so why does a Canadian team have any rights to him? Are the same rules going to apply to Canadian national team players? I doubt it. But it would be a double standard.

[El Guapo]

Everyone but Busch, Rolfe and Blanco had their thumbs up their butts for some reason.

Baky - very bad game. Heard he looked even worse in Dallas.

Mapp - you would think playing along side Blanco all this time something would have rubbed off. Not happening

Pause - we need him to be the goon in the midfield. Armas did the job when on the pitch. He needs to take Pause to a bar and get in a fight.

Brown and Diego - starting to show their age. Love the heart they put in the game but heart sometimes isnt enough.

Barrett - dont know what to say. The Barrett experiment is now officially over. Enough is enough.

Hamlett - questionable subs and tactics during the current slide. This is his first year so I will go easy for ahwile.

For those who are enjoying this please remember it, cherish it, hold on to it because....we are coming back and we are pissed.

[Steve]

What's wrong with the Fire?

1) The Bears, the Cubs, the Blackhawks. They're a Chicago sports team. I'm from the Chicago area originally, so I know the pain.

2) Justin Mapp is one of my favorite players, but he has a habit of checking out mentally, sometimes.

3) Barrett is still young and impressionable. I think he had a poor performance last game, but part of it seems to be an attitude issue - it's like he's haunted by every chance he's ever missed. Will he mature? Maybe. But right now he's the Rex Grossman of Chicago soccer. When he's off, he just can't focus. Chad! There are some good Zen meditation centers in Chicago. Be one with the ball, man!

4) Actually, Thorrington and Rolfe are fairly young as well.

4) C.J. Brown isn't as good as Segares or Conde.

5) I'm not sure how prepared the coach is to really work with the players to adjust to the situation on the field. Instead of spreading out the Chivas defense, they kept trying to run everything through Blanco. Even when they were a man up, Chivas dictated the pace of the game to them. Also, the younger players need to be mentored and I'm not sure how much this is happening with only Blanco there to provide leadership.

[Fire_Juve10]

@CD: Very good.

Denis Hamlett seems to be implying a more defensive strategy that is putting the defense under more pressure and giving the attack less creativity. The season started out with Chicago using a 4-4-2 with a D-Mid (Pause) and an attacking mid (Blanco) and two forwards (any mix of Frankowski, Barrett, and Rolfe). In my opinion, Chris Rolfe is the key to the early success. Rolfe is a threat any time he is near goal and attracts a lot of defensive attention. On the right wing, he is less effective and more defensive attention gets shifted to Chad Barrett who is prone to make mistakes under pressure.

Furthermore, the inclusion of John Thorrington has really rejuvenated the right side of the midfield. This allowed Rolfe to be a striker and finally gave the Fire a competent right midfielder. Since then, Thorrington has been moved to D-mid alongside Logan Pause. This strips the right wing of attacking power and puts another body in the defensive half of the field.

In addition, Chicago still seems too dependent on Blanco to supply the offense and when he does, he tries to attack through the defense instead of going around it. When Chivas USA is stacking eight defenders just in front of the 18, Blanco still tries to send cheeky through balls or lobs through the defense and fails repeatedly. If you have attacking threats in Justin Mapp on the left or Rolfe on the right, use their pace to get behind the defense and serve crosses in. Though, I can't remember a single cross Rolfe sent in and this goes back to the problem of using Rolfe on the right side instead of Thorrington. Rolfe just doesn't get enough of the ball when he plays on the wing.

Defensively, there are new bodies in the backline in the past few games. Before I get into that, let's just admit that Jon Busch is an absolute stud and things would be much more horrible for Chicago without his standout goalkeeping. Back to the defense, the loss of Gonzalo Segares to Costa Rica is obvious. He's my Fire MVP so far this season with Busch a very close second. But looking at the line up against Dallas shows that three defenders who have not played all season got a start (Plotkin, Brown, Washington). Team chemistry was shot that game and it clearly showed. Also, CJ Brown is still trying to get into match fitness both physically and mentally and is not fully effective. Bakary Soumare had another poor game defending too passively on Kenny Cooper's goal for Dallas and both Chivas goals last night. Finally, the more defensive line up gives up too possession to allow the opposition to test the defense more.

Or instead of all that, it could just be the traditional Chicago summer slump.

[Felix]

I think its a combination of stuff. The McBride talk, a natural slump during a long season, and some key injuries and national team call-ups. I'm not worried... yet, but I'm not happy either.

[Fred]

Barrett works too hard. When the camera gets in close he's always dripping with sweat. I think he's tired when he gets an opportunity. He might benefit by doing a little less of the non-finishing work. He needs to be a little more like Jeff Cunningham.

[Pat]

I am not too worried, it's still a young season and the players seem to have some heart left in them, they will get out of that "slump". I thought they looked bad against Dallas (certainly because of the weather), but better last night. If Barrett puts away his first chance, it's a different game...

BUSCH-- made great saves as always.

Prideaux-- Average. Good ideas, but not great defensively.

Soumare--I do not understand why fire fans are being hard on the kid, he looked tired against Dallas, but he looked solid last night, he lost the ball twice in dangerous spots, but I was still impressed with him, very good player.

CJ Brown-- Looked rusty. Slow and out of position too often. Great obstruction on Kleschan.

Guttierez-- Terrible

Mapp-- Ship him to Toronto

Pause-- Was he on the field?

Thorington- I love the kid, he plays with so much heart, he doesn't stop running and is extremely aggressive. If only he could stay healthy, it would be fantastic. Call up vs Barbadoes much deserved!!!

Rolfe-- Good effort, but did not see him get the ball enough.

Blanco-- I think he gave away a lot of balls in the second half, I re-watched the game this afternoon and I counted 9 turnovers on his part in the second half. Looked very frustrated out there.

Barrett-- Enjoy Norway!

Subs-- That's why they are subs. Thanks for coming.

[notabbott]

I think maybe the backline (especially Bakary Soumare) started buying into their own hype, and stopped working for each other. They're not supporting nearly as well when guys step up to make tackles, as the lack of rotation on that second goal made abundantly clear. Plus, Gutierrez seemed slow to acclimate to playing left fullback instead of more centrally, at least in last night's match. And they clearly miss Segares.

I may be wrong, but I think Rolfe and Barrett were both playing forward for a good number of the strong results. The further back Rolfe gets from goal, the poorer the team performs. Barrett, for all his finishing problems, does a lot better when Rolfe is creating in the box instead of forty yards from goal.

IMHO, San Jose would still take Barrett in a heartbeat.

Keep an eye on Thorrington. These last two losses, he's been doing everything he possibly can to put the team on his shoulders. I think that may be what Bradley noticed.

[Matt]

I don't really care what's wrong with Chicago, but it's nice to see them stinking it up. Couldn't happen to a nicer club.

[frank from sf]

hey natabbott- i'm a quakes fan and ther'es no way in hell i would take barrett. if he can't score worth a sh!t in chicago w/ a better midfield what do you think his chances are in sj ?! we may need lots of help but a forward that has trouble scoring isn't one of them. i think we got that covered.