THOUGHTS ON THE FIRE: There is a sense of relief that the Fire finally won a game, but there is also a bittersweet undertone because once again the atmosphere was similar to that of a “reserve match” according to Fox Sports’ Stu Holden. It also highlights that atmosphere is a main marketing point for MLS and that the Fire are failing badly at that with the conflict between the front office and the supporters groups. Either the front office fixes that, or they should get fixed by the league.
Yes, the Fire played an Orlando side that wondered why they were even on the pitch (thanks, peanut gallery), but the Fire did need that win and looked like a team that wanted to be out there. No one will question the work ethic of the players on the Fire—everyone is indeed questioning those on Orlando.
But if Nelson Rordriguez prefers to wait until the body is confirmed dead before asking for the autopsy, he should hear the diagnosis of what is ailing the club and that’s failing to upgrade at any position while at the same time taking down the swing set after only a few were being unsafe on it.
The franchise in the third largest market in the United States should not be 22nd in average attendance and merely adding a second club like they did in the two larger markets is not going to suffice here. Like I said before, either the front office fixes what’s wrong on the pitch and rebuilds the bridge with its supporters or the Fire should get fixed by the league because the supporters have zero confidence in Andrew Hauptman and Nelson Rodriguez right now. Football without fans is nothing and the Fire seem intent on learning that that hard way. The league should not follow suit.
RED STARS PREVIEW: Tuesday night is the night for the Red Stars as they play league-leaders North Carolina at Providence Park (8pm CT, ESPNEWS). The Red Stars had to battle injuries, trades, and the weather to get to where they are. And the regular season finale against Utah not withstanding, the Red Stars are in stellar form heading into this match.
The Courage were runaway winners of the Shield and you wonder what the mindset will be after not being table to host this semifinal due to Hurricane Florence and have to travel across the country just to play this semifinal.
Portland will have the home field advantage in Saturday’s Championship after defeating Seattle last Saturday. They will also have two extra days’ rest. The Courage and Red Stars are victims of circumstance and there are things the league could have done differently, but all that’s left now is the match itself on Tuesday night and the right to play Portland on Saturday.
The Red Stars are hoping the fourth time is the charm and they finally advance to the title game while the Courage are looking to repeat as champions.
