Fire's new style no passing fancy
Saturday's Fire season opener was like finally getting to unwrap a long-awaited birthday gift. After a winter of hearing about the new and improved Fire, fans finally got to see it in action.
The new quick, short passing style was on full display, and while it failed to produce a goal, it did produce several good scoring chances. It also was more fun to watch than any New England game.
How effective it will be remains to be seen, and that will be the ultimate test for first-year coach Carlos de los Cobos.
"Other than the result - we're in the business of results, so that's the first and foremost thing. We dropped 3 points," veteran midfielder Logan Pause said. "I would say it's a new style of play than a new system right now. We're playing a 4-4-2, which is what we've done in the past. Carlos has put his stamp on things. He's trying to turn us into a real dynamic, passing team. With every game I think we're going to get better."
"We saw good things in the match," de los Cobos added. "I'm satisfied with the attitude of the players."
Few of the new players were on display, though. Right midfielder Julio Martinez was the only starter not on the 2009 roster, and he left the game in the 54th minute, finding it difficult to adapt to the physical nature of MLS.
"Julio, he's not at this level," de los Cobos said. "I am working with him about this. He's adapting to the style of this league."
Newcomer Collins John came on late and showed promise up top but couldn't convert. He could get the start Saturday at Colorado.
Central defender Wilman Conde warmed to the new situation, playing his best game since joining the team three years ago. He could miss Saturday's game with an ankle injury, however.
If Conde has to miss the Colorado game, that could present an opening for off-season pickup Krzysztof Krol.
"He's working hard," de los Cobos said of Krol, who seems likely to move to central defense from the left side. "He's a very professional player. I have very high expectations about him because he's strong, he's working to improve his technique."
It was a good sign for the rookies that three of the four traveled with the team to New York. Sean Johnson is the backup goalkeeper. Top draft pick Corben Bone seems healed from the knee injury that forced him to miss most of the preseason and is catching up quickly. Defenders Steven Kinney and Kwame Watson-Siriboe have looked promising, though Watson-Siriboe is dealing with mild ankle problems.
The Fire isn't done yet. Deris Umanzor, the left back from El Salvador, still is expected to join the club as soon as all the paperwork can be worked out.
On Thursday MLS announced it was adding a second Designated Player spot for each team and giving each team the opportunity to buy a third DP slot. Since Cuauhtemoc Blanco departed after last season, the Fire hasn't had a DP, meaning technical director Frank Klopas could give his new coach up to three very interesting new presents to unwrap. There seems to be no rush, however.
One last thing: The Fire could find a familiar face in the opposing goal when it returns to Toyota Park on April 10 for its home opener. San Jose this week signed Jon Busch, recently cut by the Fire, and he will battle veteran Joe Cannon for the starter's job.
Congrats: Geneva native Jackie Santacaterina and Naperville's Michele Weissenhofer earned spots on the Red Stars' developmental roster. Both are rookies - Santacaterina from Illinois, Weissenhofer from Notre Dame. The Red Stars' season opens April 11.
oschwarz@dailyherald.com