Blanco Blanco Blanco

Hey

I will be the first to say I was dead wrong about what Blanco would do to the Fire when he arrived. I thought he would be a huge disruption and a disappointment. He has made this team into a fighting machine with a purpose. Some of his antics are still there but his leadership on and off the field have brought the team up a notch. Check out articles and videos of Blanco at http://www.chicago-fire.com/

Speaking of the word Blanco, local boy Brad Guzan was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in just his third campaign. Check out the article at http://www.mlsnet.com/.

The state playoffs continue on with the Class AA quarters tomorrow. Congratulations go out to Francis Parker High School as they took 4th place in the Class A tournament. You can find full coverage of the tournament and blog about soccer topics at http://www.suntimes.com/.

Last but not least, Soccer Post is having a 50% shoe sale going on right now. Pass on to those you think need new boots!

If you have any news or stories, please post or let me know and I will post them up on the blog.

Mike

Busy soccer weekend

It was a busy soccer weekend here in Chicago.

First and most importantly, our national team beat Mexico 2-1 to win the Gold Cup. This win affords the US entry into the Continental Champions tournament held in South Africa in 2009. This tournament is normally used as a dry run for the World Cup so winning the Gold Cup allows the US to gather some extra experience playing in South Africa.

The Fire played and beat Polish side Crakovia at Toyota Park 1-0. The story is below. They also have two senior international spots available since Guerrero received his green card and they let go of Bedrosian.

http://chicago.fire.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070622&content_id=100785&vkey=news_chf&fext=.jsp&team=t100

Congratulations to Chicago Soccers and Chicago Magic for being selected into the US National Team club program. The US Soccer story is below.

http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_1015808.html

Fire fire Sarachan, players wonder why

Hey

I saw that the Fire fired Dave Sarachan. The players are not happy. I may be going out on a limb but is this the first sign of the Blanco era. I find it interesting that the last sentence in the article is how Guppy wants to have a new coach in by the time Blanco gets to the team. Tail wagging the dog? The yahoo article is below.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mls/news?slug=txfireguppy&prov=st&type=lgns

US Open Cup and more

RW Adria is representing the Chicago area in the first round of the US Open Cup tonight. Attached is a nice article

http://usopencup.com/home/187888.html

The Fire lost last week to Chivas USA 1-0. The MLSnet story is below.

http://chicago.fire.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070610&content_id=98069&vkey=news_chf&fext=.jsp&team=t100

Chicago Soccer still has tickets to the semis and final of the Gold Cup next week.

The Soccer Post has extended a 20% off sale. The link is below.

www.soccerpost.com

Over last Weekend

Hey everyone

It was a very positive weekend soccer wise in Chicago

The men's national team beat China 4-1. The Chicago connection of Michael Bradley (Chicago Soccers) and DaMarcus Beasley produced a goal. The recap of the match can be seen below or by going to www.ussoccer.com. Thanks to ESPN for the story

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=436030&cc=5901

The Chicago Fire broke a 5 game winless streak by defeating the Columbus Crew 3-2. The story is below. Thanks to ESPN for the story

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=215261&cc=5901

Congratulations to Waubonsia Valley as they captured the state title. Great job ladies! The story is below. Thanks to Preps Plus for the story

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/cs-070602statesoccer,0,2237783.story?coll=cs-highschool-headlines

A nice uplifting story by Esther Cepeda shows the hard work of people making sure kids in the Chicago area understand the importance of education and culture through the game of soccer. Her report is below.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/education/406129,CST-NWS-SOCCER30.article

Don't forget Chicago Soccer has tickets for the Gold Cup available now. www.chicagosoccer.net

Please pass on to others and let me know how to improve the blog by posting or emailing at keanemd@gmail.com

Fire continue struggles

Hey

The Fire played to a scoreless tie with Real Salt Lake. The Fire changed the lineup a bit which is good because they need a spark on both ends. I'm surprised I'm saying this but having Blanco here soon should be a good thing for the club. The game recap is below.

http://chicago.fire.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070527&content_id=95645&vkey=news_chf&fext=.jsp&team=t100

The Best of the Midwest tournament was also this past weekend with many city teams participating. The website is below.

http://chicagomagic.net/sbomw/index3.htm

Fire Doused by an Angel

Hey

Jozimore Altidore and Juan Pablo Angel had their way with the Fire scoring two goals in two minutes as the New York Red Bulls beat the Fire 3-0. Go to www.soccernet.com to view the highlights. The goals by Angel are outstanding and show how completely out of position the Fire defense was last night.