Stumptown Footy - Portland Timbers @ Chicago Fire Story Stream; Feel The HeatYou are my sunshine, my only sunshine.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/31537/stumptown-fave.jpg2013-06-11T11:07:49-07:00http://www.stumptownfooty.com/rss/stream/41703072013-06-11T11:07:49-07:002013-06-11T11:07:49-07:00Portland Timbers Player Ratings: Chicago Away
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<p>The Portland Timbers took on the Chicago Fire over the weekend and the result was a 2-2 draw. </p> <p>It was a disheartening 2-2 draw but at least the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Timbers</a> are still earning points while making mistakes. As Stacey mentioned in the Man of the Match post the cupboard is bear this week in terms of editors available. With that in mind here are mine and Stacey's ratings for last weekend's game.</p>
<p><span>Milos Kocic</span> - 5</p>
<p><b>Stacey</b>- Through most of the game, Kocic looked confident in goal, and he made a great save in the 10th minute when <span>Chris Rolfe</span> got a wide open shot that had to be parried over the bar. The Fire's first goal is on Kocic though, for failing to get a hold of that ball when he came off his line.</p>
<p>Andrew Jean Baptiste - 6</p>
<p><b>Stacey </b>- AJB is taking a lot of flak for both goals, but on the first goal he was doing everything he could to make that an easy play for Kocic, shielding Magee off and practically diving over his keeper to avoid interfering with the save. The foul that led to the equalizing goal was foolish, but no more so than at least a dozen other mistakes by the Timbers at the end of the game. Elsewhere in the second half, he was covering for Jewsbury and making important interceptions and recoveries as the Timbers tried to hang on to the game.</p>
<p>Pah Madou Kah - 6</p>
<p><b> Ryan</b> - Both Kah and AJB had to cover for the outside backs on numerous occasions. Having to both do your job and someone else's always stretches you thin but Kah was able to handle it. Now if he could channel his inner Silvestre on his distribution we would be set for the rest of the season.</p>
<p><span>Michael Harrington</span> - 4</p>
<p><b>Ryan </b>- He struggled to get anything going offensively, his crosses did not find the desired target and he and he struggled at times to link up effectively. His offensive struggles probably had to do with the fact that he had a nightmarish time keeping in front of the Chicago's speedy wings and was beat by speed on a couple of occasions. When a team is clogging the middle like Chicago was doing the Timbers need Harrington to provide quality runs and crosses to unlock the middle of the field.</p>
<p><span>Jack Jewsbury</span> - 4</p>
<p><b> Stacey</b>- He got beat again and again on the right side of the field, causing <span>Andrew Jean-Baptiste</span> and his other teammates to have to cover for him.</p>
<p><span>Ben Zemanski</span> - 6</p>
<p><b> Ryan</b>- He was the best central midfielder on the night but he still looked out of sorts at times. His goal was a thing of beauty as he placed it perfectly rather than hitting hit with power like most other players would have done.</p>
<p><span>Will Johnson</span> - 4</p>
<p><b> Ryan</b> - One of his worst performances as a Timber. The addition of Ben Zemanski seemed to throw off the chemistry of the central midfield players as they tried to adjust to one more central midfielder.</p>
<p><span>Diego Chara</span> - 4</p>
<p><b>Ryan</b> - His passing was off all night and he constantly looked like he felt out of position. The addition of Zemanski really threw off both Chara and Will Johnson.</p>
<p><span>Darlington Nagbe</span> - 4</p>
<p><b>Ryan</b> - He dissapeared for long stretches of the game and the Timbers need more from him if they want to continue to vie for a playoff spot.</p>
<p><span>Diego Valeri</span> - 8</p>
<p><b>Ryan </b>- By far the most important player on the pitch. You could see how much influence he has on the possession style offense this team tries to play. Without him the team looked lost and had no one to pass it to in order to relieve pressure.</p>
<p><span>Frederic Piquionne</span> - 7</p>
<p><b>Ryan</b> - He just keeps producing. His two assists showed that not only can he take the shots given to him but he can also find <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/british-open" class="sbn-auto-link">the open</a> player in a multitude of ways.</p>
<p><span>Sal Zizzo</span> - 3</p>
<p><b>Stacey</b> - Bringing Zizzo in for Valeri was a bit of a confusing substitution, and it didn't really look like Zizzo was ready for first team time just yet. He squandered the best chance the Timbers had to grab the lead back with a poor cross, when he had three teammates to aim for in the box or the option to cut it back for Piquionne instead.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/portland-timbers/2013/6/11/4419740/portland-timbers-player-ratings-vs-Chicago-fireRyan Gates2013-06-09T13:03:06-07:002013-06-09T13:03:06-07:00Man of the Match: Absentees
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>One player in particular stands out for the second game in a row.</p> <div>It is always immensely disappointing to watch your team take a 2-0 lead, only to finish the game clinging to a draw. However, as Caleb Porter <a href="http://www.portlandtimbers.com/news/2013/06/despite-draw-caleb-porter-sees-bright-side-we-are-learning-lessons-while-getting-points">said of last night's game</a>, at times the Timber's played some of their better soccer of the season, even without a few regular starters. We take a look at some of the positives in our Man of the Match picks.</div>
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<div>Many of our fellow editors had other things going on in their lives this weekend, so it's just me and Ryan today. Here are our picks for Man of the Match versus the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/">Chicago Fire</a>.<br>
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<i>Ryan:</i> <b><span>Frederic Piquionne</span></b>
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<div>In a game that feels like a loss the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> had a lot of positives. One of the biggest was the play of Piquionne. Usually we see him taking his own shot but this game we saw smart runs, great passing and successful flick-ons. While his two assists stand out the most, he also created a lot of confusion amongst Chicago's backline with timely runs and good hold up play. <span>Caleb Porter</span> has a decision on his hands, <span>Ryan Johnson</span> or Frederic Piquionne as the central striker.</div>
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<i>Stacey: </i><b>Frederic Piquionne</b>
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<div data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" role="button" tabindex="0">Still looking for his first league goal, Piquionne nearly put the Timbers on the scoreboard in the first minute last night. Though <span>Sean Johnson</span> saved that chance, Piquionne's best of the night, the Timbers forward still had a huge impact on the game. I particularly liked his assist on <span>Ben Zemanski's</span> goal, where he drew three defenders who were clearly expecting him to shoot. Instead, Piquionne unselfishly played the ball back for the late arriving and completely unmarked run of Zemanski. He showed off his intelligence and vision, and he simply could not have set Zemanski up any better on that play.<br>
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<div data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" role="button" tabindex="0"><i>There are our picks, but what are yours? Vote in the poll below and let us know why in the comments.</i></div>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/6/9/4411924/portland-timbers-man-of-the-match-absenteesStacey Neve2013-06-09T08:00:02-07:002013-06-09T08:00:02-07:00Portland Play with Fire and Get Burned
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<p>Ties can feel like wins and some can feel like a loss. After scoring the first two goals and then giving up two after the hour mark the Portland Timbers feel like they lost the game. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> took on the new look <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/">Chicago Fire</a> and for 60 minutes they had the game in hand. In the last thirty minutes of the game they gave possession away and then gave away the two points.</p>
<p>Right from the opening whistle the Timbers were relentless in their pursuit of the opening goal. Their passing was crisp and they all had extra pep to the step. When they did not have the ball they held a high line and pressure Chicago's backline in order to turn them over higher up the field and to create chances quickly.</p>
<p>The relentless pressure led to the Portland Timbers hitting the post three times within the first 10 minutes. Two of those shots came in consecutive shots by <span>Frederic Piquionne</span> and <span>Diego Chara</span>. Once Portland wasn't able to score the game settled into a rhythm like most games do. In this case it was Portland possessing the ball and the Fire trying to clog the passing lanes.</p>
<p>To clog the passing lanes Chicago's forwards tried to funnel the passing to either the outside backs or into the middle where <span>Jeff Larentowicz</span> could apply pressure. For a while the strategy worked as Portland's center backs could only pass it long to the forwards or out to the covered wings. However it only worked as long as Chicago could keep Piquionne from winning the long balls.</p>
<p>When Chicago failed and Piquionne was able to get on the end of a long <span>Milos Kocic</span> kick the Timbers opened the scoring. Piquionnes perfect flick on to <span>Diego Valeri</span> and he was able to cut the ball back to his right foot. His shot was perfectly placed near post, in fact it was so perfect that it kissed the inside of the post and finally touched the net on the opposite side.</p>
<p>Defensively the Portland Timbers looked shaky, especially on the wings as Chicago's speedy wings exploited the lack of speed of the outside backs. While the outside backs did have their hands full most of the time the cross was blocked and it would go out for a corner kick.</p>
<p>In the second half the Portland Timbers were finally able to play the ball through the middle. It usually took the one or two passes to break down the first line of Chicago but once they did Portland looked dangerous. On such occasion came in the 58<sup>th</sup> minute.</p>
<p>Valeri received the ball near the touch line and hit a perfectly weighted through ball to Piquionne, who timed his run well to get behind the defense. Once behind the defense Piquionne attacked the end line and instead of crossing the ball into a congested box he dropped the ball back to the top of the box. <span>Ben Zemanski</span> arriving late hit the ball in stride and curled it around the out stretched arms of <span>Sean Johnson</span>.</p>
<p>With a comfortable lead the Timbers seemed content to pass the game away. However some of the passes were a little sloppy and the defense looked shaky. Chicago forced a turnover at midfield and then hit a long through ball to <span>Mike Magee</span>. Andrew Jean Baptiste was caught out of position but recovered to cut of Magee's run. However his momentum, as well as a helpful shove from Magee, took him into Kocic and dislodged the ball.</p>
<p>Magee now found the ball at his feet and an open goal in front of him. It was an easy goal and one that immediately energized the crowd and the home side. The Timbers on the other hand looked like they were scrambling and thinking about not losing this game.</p>
<p>Chicago's pressure just kept coming. They won corners, free kicks but every time they did Portland was able to clear the ball and keep Chicago from getting a shot on target. However, any time you allow a team that many chances one is going to finally be on frame.</p>
<p>AJB was once again involved in the lead up to a goal. Mike Magee received the ball 25 yards out and instead of just standing him up AJB elected to try for a tackle. Magee just got a touch on the ball before AJB got to it and the referee blew the whistle for the foul. The free Kick easily cleared the wall and found the back of the net for Chicago's second.</p>
<p>Portland now had to weather 7 more tense minutes as Chicago had all the momentum and a believe they could score a third. Portland did weather the storm and instead of leaving the game with a full three points they have to settle for what felt like a loss and only a point.</p>
<h4>Observations</h4>
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<span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">The Portland Timbers have lessons to learn from this game. </span><span style="line-height: 9px; font-size: 12px;">Caleb Porter put it best: </span>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"></span><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">"The fact that we can learn a lesson without losing a game, I think it's a very positive thing, It'll make us a better team. Feels like a loss but it isn't, which is great. A lot of teams have to take losses to learn lessons, and we are learning lessons while getting points. So I think it's a positive thing." </span></p>
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<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Sal Zizzo looked lost and although he had one positive run he looked like he needed more time in the reserve games. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">AJB had two boneheaded plays that cost the Timbers 2 goals. I really hope he learns from this game.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Amazing to think that despite how we might feel after this game the Timbers are unbeaten in 12 games and still have not lost on the road. If I remember a stat right the road streak is the 5th longest in MLS history. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Zemanski looked decent at times but looked out of position at others. He looks out of control sometimes. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">The Timbers are a good team but Great teams would have put their foot on Chicago's throat and not allowed two goals. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">I really wish Valeri was 90 minutes fit. Whenever he starts and then gets subbed out the Timbers look lost. </span></li>
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https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/6/9/4411124/Portland-Timbers-draw-Chicago-FireRyan Gates2013-06-08T19:48:08-07:002013-06-08T19:48:08-07:00Portland Goes up Two but Settles for the Draw
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Portland Timbers extend their unbeaten run with goals from Diego Valeri and Ben Zemanski. However giving up the two goal lead and settling for the draw will leave a bitter taste in their mouths. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> sprinted out of the gates with a series of chances that lead to the woodwork being struck three times. Unfortunately for the Timbers each off those shots bounced out into the field of play instead of in the net. After their initial surge the Timbers settled into their usually passing rhythm and maintained a healthy percentage of the ball. </p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/">Chicago Fire</a> were not phased by the early onslaught and they slowly began gain momentum after the initial scare. The Portland Timbers were not done hitting the woodwork as <span>Diego Valeri's</span> 33rd minute shot bounced off the post and into the opposite side netting for the opening goal. </p>
<p>In the second half the Portland Timbers continued to play their style of game and it again paid off. <span>Ben Zemanski</span> trailed the play and was picked out by <span>Frederic Piquionne</span> at the top of the box. His shot curled around the out stretched arms of <span>Sean Johnson</span> for the second goal of the game. </p>
<p>Chicago then proceeded to up the energy and for the final 30 minutes of the game the play was mainly in Portland's half of the field. The first goal for Chicago came off of a botched communication between <span>Milos Kocic</span> and Andrew Jean Baptiste. Their second and the game tying goal came off of a free kick from 35 yards out. </p>
<p>Portland has still yet to lose on the road and is unbeaten since their loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/">Montreal Impact</a>. </p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/6/8/4410614/Portland-Timbers-at-Chicago-FireRyan Gates2013-06-08T14:12:15-07:002013-06-08T14:12:15-07:00Portland Timbers @ Chicago Fire Match Thread
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<figcaption>Scott Olmos-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Portland Timbers take on the Chicago Fire tonight in an effort to bring home three points. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> have the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/">Chicago Fire</a> have an interesting history. Prior to joining the league, the two teams' supporters groups were considered "allies" against the Seattle Sounders. However, since the Timbers joined the league in 2011, the Fire have yet to beat the Timbers, even during the Timbers terrible 2012 season. These different dynamics create an unusual history between the two sides, and one that will continue tonight, one way or another.</p>
<p>Here are the details:</p>
<h3>General Information</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Watch it on: </b>ROOT SPORTS</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Kick off: </b>5:30 pm</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Portland Timbers: </b>22 points in the Western Conference.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Chicago Fire: </b>11 points in the Eastern Conference.</p>
<h3>Starting Lineups</h3>
<p><b>Portland Timbers: </b>Coming soon!</p>
<p><b>Chicago Fire: </b>Coming soon!</p>
<h3>Final Thoughts</h3>
<p>There are only a few games played today, however, aside from the Timbers' match, four Western Conference sides will battle for crucial points. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/">Real Salt Lake</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a> game, in particular, could have a big impact on where the Timbers lie in the standings after today. Ideally, a draw between them would be the best for the Timbers. The Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps also play each other in their first Cascadia Cup meeting of the season. The Timbers drew both away from home, leaving them with a solid two points in the regional competition, but a win by either will see them take a lead. Again, a draw would be best.</p>
<p>No matter what happens in all the other games, though, a convincing win by the Timbers tonight is needed for them to maintain their edge in the Western Conference standings.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/6/8/4409962/portland-timbers-chicago-fire-match-thread-5-30-pmGeoff Gibson2013-06-07T12:28:07-07:002013-06-07T12:28:07-07:00Portland Timbers @ Chicago Fire Match Preview
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<figcaption>Scott Olmos-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>After serving a mandatory "bye week" the Portland Timbers return to action against the Chicago Fire.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> finally return to action this weekend as they look to take on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/">Chicago Fire</a> of the Eastern Conference. The Timbers have never lost to the Fire since joining MLS in 2011. Even during their abysmal 2012 season, the Timbers managed to beat the Fire 2-1 at home. In 2011, the Fire was the first team ever in MLS to fall to the Timbers at home and they were the first team ever for the Timbers to beat on the road. History runs well in the Timbers favor for this one, but don't let that fool you. There's a first time for everything.</p>
<p>Here's the breakdown:</p>
<h3>Portland Timbers</h3>
<p>The big news heading into tomorrow night's game is just how depleted the Timbers roster is due to national team call ups. <span>Futty Danso</span>, <span>Rodney Wallace</span>, <span>Donovan Ricketts</span>, and <span>Ryan Johnson</span> are all playing in international games this weekend. This, obviously, leaves a few holes in the Timbers usual starting line up.</p>
<p>First, to replace Ricketts, expect <span>Milos Kocic</span> to make his first regular season start. While Ricketts has been incredibly solid throughout the season, I'm actually a bit excited by the opportunity to see Kocic in action against another MLS team. He was solid against the Wilmington Hammerheads despite some lax defending by <span>Andrew Jean-Baptiste</span>.</p>
<p>Looking to the center back position, Futty's absence will almost assuredly mean that Andrew Jean-Baptiste and <span>Pa Modou Kah</span> team up together. Kah, for his part, seems to be settling in well with the team, though his knack for booting the ball instead of weaving it through to the midfielders is a bit worrisome. Hopefully he is situating to Porter's style going forward.</p>
<p>Finally, looking up top, expect <span>Frederic Piquionne</span> to start. After scoring an impressive four goals against the Wilmington Hammerheads, he'll no doubt be hungry for more. That said, I don't think he'll have an easy of time against a better organized MLS defense. Still, there's nobody else who would start ahead of him at the moment.</p>
<p>As for Wallace's spot, I'm not sure who takes over for him. My guess right now is that we see the transition to a 4-4-2 a opposed to Porter's usual adaptive 4-3-3.</p>
<p>Everything else looks to be pretty standard. Luckily, the Timbers' midfield should remain solid throughout.</p>
<p>Here's my predicted starting lineup:</p>
<p>Milos Kocic; <span>Jack Jewsbury</span>, Andrew Jean-Baptiste, Pa Modou Kah, <span>Michael Harrington</span>; <span>Kalif Alhassan</span>, <span>Diego Valeri</span>, <span>Diego Chara</span>, <span>Will Johnson</span>; <span>Darlington Nagbe</span>, Frederic Piquionne</p>
<h3>Chicago Fire</h3>
<p>If you have yet to do so, I strongly recommend reading my preview interview with the guys at Hot Time in Old Town where they reveal all kinds of insider information on this year's Chicago Fire side.</p>
<p>The big news for this Fire side, however, is the recent acquisition of <span>Mike Magee</span> from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a>. Magee, a fringe player in recent years, has seemingly blossomed in 2012-2013. Already, in his two games with the Fire he has scored twice. The Timbers defense, with how much they've struggled already, will need to take special note of Magee throughout. Kocic, especially, should be on his guard.</p>
<p>The Fire also have an impressive midfield, though their current standings wouldn't show that. Lead by the likes of <span>Joel Lindpere</span>, <span>Jeff Larentowicz</span>, and Dily Duka this is a midfield that can certain cause problems for the Timbers. Each of these players, actually, has been quite troublesome for the Timbers in the past. Put together they should be a force to be reckoned with.</p>
<p>Here is Chicago's expected lineup:</p>
<p><span>Sean Johnson</span> (GK), <span>Jalil Anibaba</span> (RB), <span>Austin Berry</span> (CB), <span>Bakary Soumare</span> (CB), <span>Gonzalo Segares</span> (LB), <span>Logan Pause</span> (CDM), <span>Patrick Nyarko</span> (RM), Alex (CM), <span>Dilly Duka</span> (LM), <span>Chris Rolfe</span> (FW), Mike Magee (FW)</p>
<h3>Final Thoughts</h3>
<p>Chicago has never beaten the Timbers. Given how close these two supporters groups were prior to the Timbers joining MLS, that's gotta sting a bit. After all, Chicago was the well seasoned team and the Timbers, brand new to the league. Even in 2012 when Chicago made the playoffs, the Timbers still managed to earn a decisive 2-1 victory over them. Knowing that, expect this team to come out hard against the Timbers. They want that first win and, with the Timbers lacking so many regular starters, they could very well do it. Let's just hope the Timbers don't chalk this one up to an easy win.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/6/7/4406190/portland-timbers-chicago-fire-match-preview-the-returnGeoff Gibson2013-06-07T09:00:08-07:002013-06-07T09:00:08-07:00Portland Timbers @ Chicago Fire Preview Interview
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<p>Learn more about this season's Chicago Fire team with help from Hot Time in Old Town.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> travel to Chicago to take on the Fire tomorrow night after serving a bye week this past weekend. It's a great chance for the Timbers to earn some needed road points heading into the mid-season. The Timbers recently travelled to DC United and managed to win 2-nil. The Chicago Fire, as with DC, have struggled through the early parts of this season but seem to be rebounding. To help us figure out how the Fire is managing its 2013 season, I spoke with the guys over at <a href="http://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/" target="_blank">SB Nation's Chicago Fire site Hot Time in Old Town</a>.</p>
<p><b>1. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/">Chicago Fire</a> are having a rough go at it this season, especially considering their impressive run late last season. What's going on in 2013?</b></p>
<p>That's a really good question. When the season started everyone had high hopes for this team. With the additions that the Fire made during the offseason, a majority of the supporters were excited to see what 2013 would bring. Unfortunately the Fire did a complete 180 to what they did in the final few months of the 2012 season. The offseason acquisitions(<span>Joel Lindpere</span>, <span>Jeff Larentowicz</span>, and Dily Duka) were underperforming, one of our starting and most influential center backs(Arne Friedrich) started the season injured and still is, we have had a merry go round at right back, and our key offensive pieces(Sherjill Macdonald and <span>Chris Rolfe</span>) have failed to finish their chances. On the field in the first 10 games at times there seemed to be no chemistry between the players. I do have to say that despite a horrible start, the team is playing much better in the past 3 games.</p>
<p><b>2. The Fire recently traded the rights of <span>Robbie Rogers</span> for <span>Mike Magee</span>, LA's goal-scoring extraordinaire. How has he made an impact so far and what can Timbers fans expect from him Saturday?</b></p>
<p>Mike Magee has already scored 2 goals in his first 2 games, which is saying a lot considering this team's goal scoring struggles so far this year. Prior to his arrival the Fire had scored only 7 goals in 11 games, which is just awful for any team, but especially for one with the pre-season expectations we had. Magee brings a winning mentality and leadership that has been missing from this team. The one thing that I noticed from last Saturday's match versus DC is that he is very vocal on the field. During the match he was constantly talking to his teammates in order to be aware of where everyone is on the field. This is a welcomed change/addition and it should only help the Fire as they look to try to get back into playoff talk. Timbers fans should take notice of this and how it impacts the game.</p>
<p><b>3. The Timbers and Fire meet only once per season, as such, the Fire's roster is a bit of a mystery. Who are the impact players for the team? The big names who will cause some damage.</b></p>
<p>Mike Magee as I discussed in the previous answer is of course one. Another big name is recently re-acquired <span>Bakary Soumare</span>. He brings stability and composure to the backline as evidenced in the last couple of games. <span>Patrick Nyarko</span> is a player I love because of his speed and ability to take defenders one-on-one. He has been quiet so far this season in terms of stats but he has the skill set to be a provider for whoever starts up top for the Fire. I also can't say enough of our young goalkeeper <span>Sean Johnson</span>. Sean has been one of the best young keepers in MLS, and he has shown it by making huge saves in order to keep his team in every single game. For example, just watch the save reel from the match a couple of weeks ago versus <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/">Real Salt Lake</a>.</p>
<p><b>4. In the same vein, who are some players who are perhaps not considered big names, but are still incredibly dangerous at either end of the field?</b></p>
<p>The first name that comes to mind is <span>Daniel Paladini</span>. Mainly coming in off the bench, Paladini provides that spark and energy that the team needs in the 2nd half. I also think he has been the Fire's most consistent player throughout this young season. Another player that I think will start seeing more playing time is our young Brazilian midfielder Alex. I predict that he will start in the center of the midfield for <span>Frank Klopas</span> versus the Timbers. Alex has shown a promising skill set that can help him develop into a dependable #10, or so Fire fans are hoping.</p>
<p><b>5. Predicted starting lineup? (First and last names please!)</b></p>
<p>Sean Johnson (GK), <span>Jalil Anibaba</span> (RB), <span>Austin Berry</span> (CB), Bakary Soumare (CB), <span>Gonzalo Segares</span> (LB), <span>Logan Pause</span> (CDM), Patrick Nyarko (RM), Alex (CM), <span>Dilly Duka</span> (LM), Chris Rolfe (FW), Mike Magee (FW)</p>
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<p>Big thanks to the guys for answering my questions. You can read more about the Chicago Fire at their site <a href="http://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/" target="_blank">Hot Time in Old Town</a>.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/6/7/4406226/portland-timbers-chicago-fire-preview-interviewGeoff Gibson