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 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 Frankowski-Rolfe-Barrett-Thorrington position battles may still be in full swing, but we have to guess that Frankowski will be ready to go.  Unfortunately, the chemistry between Barrett and Rolfe will likely overshadow Thorrington's recent success on the right, bringing back the opening lineup of Mapp-Blanco-Rolfe to the attacking midfield.  

Defensively, Brandon Prideaux and Gonzalo Segares have the outside positions on lockdown, relegating Dasan Robinson to the bench once again depending on fitness levels.  Soumare and Pause are all but certain to return to center-back and D-Mid, but the final spot in the center of the back line is still a mystery.  Diego, Conde, and Marmol are all wild cards for the start in their own right.  Finally in net, Jon Busch looks to continue his strong start.

The Opposition

On paper, we had this match circled in bright red ink as a true test for this year's team.  DC United looked to completely reload with foreign talent to make an even more committed run for the MLS title.  Fortunately for the Fire, things have not gone very well for United.  They are near the bottom of the table in goals allowed, but their home form is certainly better than their dismal results on the road.  A retooled defense is struggling, and without playmaker Cristian Gomez to link up with Luciano Emilio, the  offense has plenty of trouble finding its rythmn.  Chicago will hope to take advantage of United's struggles, and no one would disagree that the Fire are catching DC at a very opportune time.

Injury Report

 DC United will miss having Ben Olson and Jeff Carroll in the midfield with both players out for extended stays on the DL.  Top signing Marcelo Gallardo is questionable along with Fred and Domenic Mediate, leaving the team rather thin.

As for the Fire, CJ Brown is still out with hip tendonitis and Brian Plotkin remains questionable with a hip strain.

Prediction

The Fire's defense has been untouchable this season, and with the midfield edge leaning towards Chicago, we have to think that the team will only be limited by their own finishing ability.  DC's defense has plenty of question marks, but will still be looking to protect RFK considering the last time the Fire were in town.  Chad for the win. 

Fire 2 - 1 DC United

Rolfe 30'

Barrett 65' 

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7 Comments

mgiaco May 08, 2008	Has it finally been confirmed/revealed that CJ does, in fact, have hip tendonitis? I assume b/c you're writing it that it is so--but I hadn't heard that diagnosis previously.
Matt D. May 08, 2008	I would be very surprised if Thorrington doesn't start. The Rolfe/Barrett chemistry works best with Rolfe at forward. I think we start with a 4-2-2-2 like so ---------------Busch----------- Per(Doh)--Baky--Guti--Sega --------Thor-------Pause------ ----Blanco-------------Mapp-- --------Barrett-----Rolfe------ Frankowski for Barrett at 65' Conde for Pause at 70' King for Mapp at 75'
Ben May 08, 2008	I believe CJ's condition has changed, but I'm not sure what it is. I thought it was less hip and more groin.
Benchwarmer May 08, 2008	I'd be shocked if we didn't start the exact same lineup as NE, even with Frankowski available. If Hamlett is a "stay with what's hot" type of coach, well, 3-0 over NE in NE says hot to me.
JF May 08, 2008	Re CJ: I've seen "hip tendonitis" in some places and "adductor strain" in others. I've actually been struggling with the same problem, and let me tell you, it's no fun. The healing process is maddeningly slow, and the inflammation can flare up from simple walking or trotting across the street. Then, just when you're getting close, you do some exercise and end up straining the other muscle (hip flexor or adductor/groin), and you're back at square one. Researching adductor strains, I found a study that indicates that a majority of athletes who experience adductor strains still have pain twenty weeks after the initial occurrence. Some of that is obviously due to trying to get back on the field too quickly. But some of it is just that the rehab schedule is measured in geologic time. Re the rest of the lineup: it would be a pity to leave Thorrington out, given his form in the last two matches. And on recent form alone, Mapp is probably the guy who deserves a rest. Still, we have an embarrassment of riches at the moment, on offense and defense. I don't think DH can put a foot wrong in terms of selection. Let's kick DC while they're down!
alex May 08, 2008	no way thorrington does not start
JF May 09, 2008	Glad I was wrong about Justin, who put in a nice performance at both ends, and was calm finishing a ball that lots of guys would have booted over the bar.