What a difference three points makes. Somewhere around 84:30, there was a fair number of Chicago Fire fans ready to torch the entire organization, top to bottom. Denis Hamlett? Out by the All-Star break some would whisper while some of us tried to figure out what the roster would look like by the end of the transfer window. I found myself babbling on more than one occasion that Denis was merely the new Dave Sarachan, bringing the traditional brand of bunkering back to Toyota Park in full force, and it was anyone's guess if a handful of new players would get this team back on track.
Of course, Mapp to Thorrington in stoppage time changed all of this. The breaks finally went the Fire's way, and maybe they can build on the momentum, putting together a positive streak leading into the break.
The views and opinions expressed in this article reflect those of the author and do not necessarily reflect thoseof Section 8 Chicago NFP.
As I wake up bleary eyed and sober, I regret the error of my condition that left me unable to become blind drunk or wrapped in the blissfully ignorant cocoon of some other equally enjoyable vice during last night's match. Had I been able to enjoy more than a thimble full of alcohol, maybe I would have been able to better to participate in the fantasy camp that when on for 90 minutes at Toyota Park.
The Fire have been having some success in their 4-2-3-1, but John Thorrington's injury concerns may cause Coach Hamlett to make some changes to both the lineup and formation this week against the Dynamo. According to Luis Arroyave of the Tribune, Thorrington is listed as OUT, although Friday's team notes have left him mysteriously off the injury report. Assuming the worst, the Fire will need someone to step in alongside Logan Pause in the defensive midfield and step up into the attack. Ladies and mostly gentlemen, this week's Wilman Conde Watch (tm) is officially on, accompanied by the equally mysterious Lider Marmol Watch (also tm).
Lider was last seen in Canada or Mexico to complete his visa, but the appearance of either defender would certainly make up for any changes made in the backline. The potential return of Frankowski to the lineup gives the team a lot of flexibility up and down the roster. It's a good guess that the Fire will run with 2 strikers with Tomasz back in the starting 11, keeping the chemisty between Rolfe and Barrett while leaving a lone defensive mid in the backfield.
It's time to let the entire league know how much we support our Chicago Fire, but more importantly, the All-Star Game lets us tell the players just how great we think they are! 2008 has been a great season thus far for the Fire, and it's up to us to keep that momentum going all the way to BMO Field in Toronto.
We have to think that Denis Hamlett is sticking to his guns for this trip to RFK Stadium. The Fire have a shortened week coming off their victory at New England, and there may have been little opportunity for players to earn starting roles with limited practice. Generally, this is a good problem to have: a formidable side starting to gel with plenty of talent on the bench fighting for playing time. Suffice to say, anyone cracking the lineup Thursday night will have definitely earned it.
The Backdraft contributors resumed their weekly attempt to get inside the heads of the Chicago Fire by putting together some questions for Gonzalo Segares. Most fans love Sega for his hard-nosed defensive play, but his usually stoic demeanor keeps many from knowing what's really on his mind. The defender certainly took our questions in stride, discussing his native Costa Rica, this year's defense, and of course, hot dogs.
Backdraft: Obviously a lot of fans come out to meet the team (Blanco) while on the road, have you had any experience with fellow Costa Ricans coming out to support you when playing away from Chicago?
Segares: Very random, usually the people that come to games that are Costa Ricans are friends that are visiting or that we are on the road and they come to the game. There's one guy in Salt Lake that comes with a Costa Rica flag, and I know he comes to see Andy and me. But other than that, the only time I saw Costa Rican flags was when Wanchope played here and some Costa Ricans came to see him and support him.
A successful trip to Gilette Stadium puts the Chicago Fire near the top of the MLS table as the team continues its domination of bitter rival New England. Backdraft takes a look back at Saturday's 3-0 victory with two different reports.
Marty Groark brings us a brief break down followed by a longer editorial by Backdraft's Michael Giacometti.
After an incredible 4-0 trouncing of the Revolution at home in their first match up this year, many Fire fans thought it might be difficult to repeat such a dominatant performance when the Fire traveled to New England for their game on Saturday, but Chicago was able to execute just that with another big win against a struggling conference rival. The Fire were able to follow up their previous goalscoring clinic in April with 3 more against the Revolution on a chilly night at Gilette stadium.
Backdraft contributors put their heads together and compiled a list of hard-hitting questions for Chicago Fire forward Chris Rolfe. The striker discusses his personal goals, his teammates, and most importantly, how he orders his hotdogs.
Backdraft: You scored some absolutely crucial goals during the end of last season's campaign. After a sustained period of injury, just how good did it feel to be back among the goals?
Chris: After being sidelined for any reason, it always feels great getting back in the starting eleven with your teammates. Scoring those goals really helped me feel better about missing a crucial part of the season because I knew I was helping us to get closer to our goal.
Backdraft: What are your hopes for yourself and the team this season?
Chris: To win the MLS Cup and Open Cup and to be influential in the majority of the goals our team scores.
Coming off a difficult loss against Kansas City, the team looks to stay the course in the starting lineup. Early predictions have Brandon Pridueax ahead of Dasan Robinson at right back, but considering his absence from the injury report, and Conde's return to the lineup, a backline of Segares-Soumare-Conde-Robinson is not out of the question. Logan Pause has done nothing to lose his space at defensive midfield. Short of the sudden signing of Lider Marmol pushing Conde out of the backline, he should be shoring up the back of the midfield.
In the middle, the standard Mapp-Blanco-Rolfe lineup could return, with Chris Rolfe making a welcome start on the right wing. Thorrington and King have done well in his absence, but Rolfe's place on the right would be assured unless Hamlett determines he could be best used up top in place of Barrett. Mapp is skating on thin ice with some fans, and many expect a performance out of the talented left-mid this Saturday.
Backdraft is written by Fire supporters for Fire supporters. Thanks to access provided by Section 8 Chicago, Backdraft is able to provide an original stream of news, interviews and views on the Chicago Fire soccer club.
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Backdraft 
What a difference three points makes. Somewhere around 84:30, there was a fair number of Chicago Fire fans ready to torch the entire organization, top to bottom. Denis Hamlett? Out by the All-Star break some would whisper while some of us tried to figure out what the roster would look like by the end of the transfer window. I found myself babbling on more than one occasion that Denis was merely the new Dave Sarachan, bringing the traditional brand of bunkering back to Toyota Park in full force, and it was anyone's guess if a handful of new players would get this team back on track. 
The Fire XI
The Backdraft contributors resumed their weekly attempt to get inside the heads of the Chicago Fire by putting together some questions for Gonzalo Segares. Most fans love Sega for his hard-nosed defensive play, but his usually stoic demeanor keeps many from knowing what's really on his mind. The defender certainly took our questions in stride, discussing his native Costa Rica, this year's defense, and of course, hot dogs. 
Backdraft contributors put their heads together and compiled a list of hard-hitting questions for Chicago Fire forward Chris Rolfe. The striker discusses his personal goals, his teammates, and most importantly, how he orders his hotdogs.
The Fire XI
