Sports fans in Chicago have had little to be excited about since the Bulls were eliminated from the playoffs last month. Since then, the Cubs and Sox have had their fair share of struggles, frustrations and ejections. Some have even written off the ballclubs in early June and started thinking about next year.
The Chicago Fire soccer club also has had a tough time this season at 4-5-2. But at least in their case, there seems to be reason for optimism. Here are five reasons you should give the team a chance this summer.
1. Help is on the way
Since April, Fire players and fans have been giddy about the signing and upcoming arrival of Mexican star Cuauhtemoc Blanco. The 34-year old has been to two World Cups and has scored 176 goals, including 31 for Mexico’s national team. Some have said his impact on Mexican soccer is similar to David Beckham’s influence on the British game. Over 5,000 fans attended Blanco’s introduction in April. He’ll suit up with the Fire for the first time July 1.
2. Their game is improving
The team has gone through streaks so far this season. After going unbeaten in the first four matches (3-0-1), the team went winless in the next five (0-4-1). The Fire has split the last two, though, and has played better defensively in recent weeks.
3. If you go see them play, you won’t be alone
The Fire had a sellout crowd of 20,407 for their last home match. The team also has fared much better in front of home crowds at Toyota Park (3-2-1) than it has on the road (1-3-1) this season.
4. They’re still in the hunt
Despite the 4-5-2 record it has, the Fire are still in decent position to make a move in the Eastern Conference. The team is just six points — the equivalent of two wins — behind first-place New York with 21 more games to play.
5. They’ll only get better
Though it’s a position the team isn’t used to — the Fire has had just two losing seasons in the franchise’s nine-year history — there’s no need for concern yet. The team has lost five times, but four of those losses were against teams with records of .500 or better. Following this weekend’s game with D.C. United, the next four teams on the schedule have sub- .500 marks thus far. Plus, picking up Blanco won’t hurt. The striker’s energy will provide consistency to a club whose offense has been stagnant at times.
MAIN EVENT
FIRE AT D.C. UNITED
* 6:30 P.M. SATURDAY
* HDNET
