Blog Entries for Mike Fotopoulos

Back to Basics at the Break

fotop81@yahoo.com — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 02:00:00 +0100

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 [...]

Silent for The Cause

fotop81@yahoo.com — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:00:00 +0100

The views and opinions expressed in this article reflect those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of 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 [...]

Game Preview :: Fire vs. Houston 5/17 7.30pm

fotop81@yahoo.com — Sat, 17 May 2008 02:00:00 +0100

The Fire XI

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 [...]

Chicago's All-Stars Need YOU

fotop81@yahoo.com — Thu, 15 May 2008 02:00:00 +0100

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.

Click here for th [...]

Blanco for Goal of the Week

fotop81@yahoo.com — Mon, 12 May 2008 02:00:00 +0100

Be sure to vote this week for Blanco's fantastic bending strike from Thursday's game against DC United.

Cast your vote HERE, and remember:

Game Preview :: Fire at DC United 5/8 6.30pm

fotop81@yahoo.com — Wed, 07 May 2008 02:00:00 +0100

The Fire XI

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 [...]

Getting to Know Sega

fotop81@yahoo.com — Wed, 07 May 2008 02:00:00 +0100

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 R [...]

Two Views :: Fire Rout Revs on Road

fotop81@yahoo.com — Sun, 04 May 2008 02:00:00 +0100

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.

[...]

Getting to Know Chris Rolfe

fotop81@yahoo.com — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:00:00 +0100

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 [...]

Game Preview :: Fire vs. Rapids 4/26 7.30pm

fotop81@yahoo.com — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 02:00:00 +0100

The Fire XI

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. L [...]

Feeling Good: Fire @ SJ Highlights 4/12/08

fotop81@yahoo.com — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:11:07 +0100

Game Preview :: Fire @ San Jose 4/12 3.30pm

fotop81@yahoo.com — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:00:00 +0100

The Fire XI

Optimism has come full circle following last Thursday's opener with the Revolution. Now, the Fire head West to take on the expansion Earthquakes brimming with confindence on the offensive end. Coach Hamlett has already said several times that he will start the attackers with the best chemistry, but after last game's display, it [...]

Con te Partiro, Revolution

fotop81@yahoo.com — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:00:00 +0100

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We reflect upon last Thursday's home opener vs. New England, a vertiable symphony of goals and sweet revenge. Enjoy our own collection of highlights.

FWFK Celebrates 10 Years of Charity

fotop81@yahoo.com — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 02:00:00 +0100

Since the Chicago Fire's inception in 1998, the Fireworks For Kids foundation has committed itself to devloping community programs to help the underprivileged children of Chicago. Last week at the Hilton Chicago, their annual benefit brought together players, fans, and coaches from past and present to refelect on the past decade of the Chicago Fire and look forward to the up [...]

Game Preview: Fire @ Real Salt Lake 3/29 5pm

fotop81@yahoo.com — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:00:00 +0100

When the Fire begin the 2008 season at RSL's Rice-Eccles Stadium this Saturday, they will face a Salt Lake team that has also seen its fair share of turnover this offseason.

Get to know the first opponents of the new year as we take a look at Jason Kreis' new roster and how it could fare this weekend.

Real Salt Lake Profile:

2007 Record: 6-15-9 (27 points)

Players In: Kenny [...]

This is Not a F***ing Picnic: Chicago Fire Preview 2008

fotop81@yahoo.com — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:00:00 +0100

The latest in the irishoutsider series of MLS Previews is exclusively on Section8Chicago.com.

[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-VMt6kUGO0 425x355]

Long Search Ends at Home

fotop81@yahoo.com — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:16:04 +0100

In what GM John Guppy marked as “a signature day” in the history of the Chicago Fire, Denis Hamlett was named the fourth head coach in team history. With 10 years of experience assisting championship managers Bob Bradley and Dave Sarachan, Hamlett remarked that he had been working towards this goal for a long time. “There is no other p [...]