Thirty-two days of preseason preparation, spent primarily in two cities that are some 8,000 miles apart, have come to a crescendo this weekend for the Chicago Fire. The Men In Red are set for their fifth preseason match, the final dress rehearsal before joining the defending champion LA Galaxy in kicking off the 2015 Major League Soccer season next Friday.
The Fire’s preseason finale will see them face Vancouver Whitecaps FC at 4:30 p.m. CT Saturday in Portland’s Providence Park. As with each of the Fire’s previous two outings at the 2015 Simple Invitational, the match will stream live on Chicago-Fire.com and CSNChicago.com.
Following training Friday afternoon, Yallop indicated he is likely to announce a Starting XI closely resembling the lineup that will be named for next week’s opener at the StubHub Center. Led by Yallop and club captain Jeff Larentowicz, the Fire have worked diligently over the last month to build camaraderie, trust and cohesion on and off the pitch.
Not pleased with their performance in a scoreless draw with Stabaek, the Men In Red responded Wednesday night with a palpable increase in sharpness. Yallop was of the opinion that his club's play was more representative of the work they had put in over the past month, and befitting of a hostile road environment against a quality MLS side.
Simple Invitational Schedule |
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<strong>Match 1:</strong><br>
Chicago Fire 0:0 Stabaek<br>
(Sun., Feb. 22, 4:30 p.m. CT) |
<a href="//www.chicago-fire.com/news/2015/02/watch-live-chicago-fire-vs-stabaek">Full Match</a> |
<strong>Match 2:</strong><br>
Chicago Fire 1:1 Timbers<br>
(Weds., Feb. 25, 9:30 p.m. CT) |
<a href="//www.chicago-fire.com/news/2015/02/watch-live-chicago-fire-vs-portland-timbers/">Full Match</a> |
<strong>Match 3:</strong><br>
Chicago Fire vs.<br>
Vancouver Whitecaps FC<br>
(Sat., Feb. 28, 4:30 p.m. CT) |
<a href="//www.chicago-fire.com/news/2015/02/watch-live-chicago-fire-vs-vancouver-whitecaps-fc">Live Video</a> |
“Playing these highly competitive games, and with a crowd atmosphere like we had Wednesday, is good for us,” Yallop said. “From the first game [in Portland] to the third game, we’re hoping to progress. I thought we progressed even between the first whistle and the last whistle of the opening game and came out sharp Wednesday. We’re looking for the same tomorrow.”
Also high on the priority list for the Men In Red is emerging injury free, something they were unable to do in the tournament opener against Stabaek. Ghanaian speedster David Accam exited that match early and soon returned to Chicago for treatment on a strained groin, still hopeful to be available for the opener at LA Galaxy. Against Portland, centerback Adailton was forced out of action in the first half after knocking heads with an opponent, and will be kept out of Saturday's fixture with Vancouver.
“I want them to come out unscathed, we’ve got a few little bumps and bruises, so I don’t want to get any more injuries,” Yallop said. “At the same time, it’s important to have a good, strong, solid performance.”
CATCHING UP WITH BOB BRADLEY
Last Sunday, the Chicago Fire opened the Simple Invitational in Portland with a scoreless draw against Norwegian Tippeligaen side Stabaek IF, under the direction of inaugural Fire head coach Bob Bradley. On Thursday, Bradley took timeout to sit down with Chicago-Fire.com and chat on a range of topics, including his connections with current members of the Chicago Fire.
One of those connections is offseason Fire signee Michael Stephens. Stephens spent four seasons with LA Galaxy before thriving under Bradley’s mentorship at Stabaek in 2014, but decided to bring his up-tempo, creative style of play to his hometown club when he signed with the Fire in December.
Stephens played 75 minutes in an attacking midfield position during the Fire’s tie with Portland Timbers Wednesday night, also serving up the well-placed corner kick that was headed home for a Portland own goal in the 44th minute.
Hear what Stephens’ former boss had to say about a young man he was familiar with long before one shared season in Norway.
SATURDAY'S OPPONENT: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
In four preseason fixtures against MLS sides thus far, Vancouver has posted two wins, one draw and one loss, including a 1-0 victory over Portland to open the Simple Invitational. On Wednesday, Vancouver defeated Bradley’s Stabaek squad by a 3-2 scoreline while playing a young lineup -- with all outfield starters aged 24 or younger.
An impressive 10 members of the Whitecaps roster have scored goal for Carl Robinson's club in seven preseason matches, including two by dynamic Jamaican striker Darren Mattocks against Stabaek.
Pending personnel selections, the match will serve as a preview of the Fire's 2015 home-opener, with Vancouver slated to visit Toyota Park on Saturday, March 14.
2015 CHICAGO FIRE FOUNDATION SEASON KICKOFF LUNCHEON SET FOR MONDAY
After close to a month spent in England and Portland, the Fire will return to Chicago Sunday to commence final preparations for the March 6 opener at LA Galaxy. Included in their itinerary for a brief stay in Chicago is the 17th annual Chicago Fire Foundation Season Kickoff Luncheon at 11 a.m. Monday at the Hyatt Regency Chicago (151 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601). The event is a chance for supporters to gather, meet and mingle with players and the technical staff while supporting the worthy initiatives of the Chicago Fire Foundation.
Fans not in attendance at the Luncheon are invited to participate in the online silent auction, which is live now and features a plethora of desirable items, gift baskets, trips, experiences and more. Bidding will remain active until 12:50 p.m. CT on Monday, and winners are not required to be present to win.
