The Fire got on the win column, the Red Stars opened their season, Fire II also opened theirs, and Chicago House AC is moving on in the US Open Cup. Now, here are the details:
FIRE: Once again, there were periods where the Fire looked dominant, there was another case of “Here we go again”, but this time it ended with a stoppage time winner from Kei Kamara that was set up by both Javier Casas and Brian Gutierrez. The win on Saturday in Fort Lauderdale could be the shot in the arm the Fire needed, but only if they don’t hit the off switch accidentally at crucial points in the game like they have the last couple games.
Brian Gutierrez should be starting at center midfield and Xherdan Shaqiri, when he returns from his injury, should be put either on the wing, or even change the formation to allow for Shaqiri to cheat towards one side or another. A change in formation could also benefit Kacper Przybylko as he was once again thinking too much when given a chance at goal. Arnaud Soquet has shown to be better at attacking than defending in recent games, so there’s something to work on there.
It is early in the season, but there have been some high points and some low points. The quest will be to get three points against DC United on April Fools’ Day. The Fire do have good players, they need to show that they are a good team.
RED STARS: There is opportunity for the Chicago Red Stars that it will not be doom-and-gloom considering the turnover in the roster. Arin Wright, Tierna Davidson, and Casey Krueger all returned from long layoffs–though Krueger may be facing more time on the injured list after a concussion forced to her leave early. Mallory Swanson has not missed a beat in attack, but the midfield still needs a bit of seasoning to get some more flavor in attack. It was a loss against San Diego, but one where there were some positives to take to Saturday’s afternoon home opener against Houston.
CHICAGO FIRE II: Chicago Fire II opened the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season with a 3-1 over Inter Miami II at DRV PNK Stadium on Sunday. Matteo Kidd, Billy Henry, and Alex Monis scored for CF2 in the win. CF2 will have their home opener on Friday against Toronto FC II at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview at 6pm CT. The match will be streamed on Apple TV as part of the MLS Season Pass.
CHICAGO HOUSE AC: Chicago House AC advanced in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a 1-0 win over Bavarian United SC of Milwaukee at Elmhurst College last Wednesday. They next take on another Wisconsin and another Peter Wilt founded club in Forward Madison FC of USL League One. The match will be at Breese-Stevens Field in Madison on Tuesday, April 4th at 6pm.
