Chivas USA v Fire

  Took a listen yesterday to the audio broadcast of Fire and Goats. It was very nice to actually get to listen to a broadcast of a Fire match again. Good job by Brendan and Jeff yesterday. Unfortunately it did not have video but that rant is for another day.
  I knew listening to the match I was really only going to listen to the first half for critique on the startingXI. Overall I think the fire played a solid defensive match. It sounded as if SeanJohn was on fire in the box. And the centerbacks were locking it down. I think we are pretty set in the back this year it would be nice to see a little more depth, but the starters are solid as a rock.
  The midfield this year on paper looks absolutely stellar. And listening to the broadcast I cannot disagree. Pardo sounded to be a controlling force on the pitch. Every time he seems to touch the ball it brings a calming effect over the team. Grazzinni sounded to be really inventive with the play offensively. I think Klopas bringing in Sebastian might be one of his best moves to date. Marco Pappa seemed to be finding his touch again yesterday. This last year with all of the talk of Marco going to play for FC Twente seemed to be a real distraction for him. Now that does not seem to be happening for the time being I hope he can really settle down and concentrate on his game with new Fire teammates. Those three guys really seemed to command attention in the middle for me. Unfortunately we did not get to see Robayo play. I am really anxious to see what he can bring to the table.
  Now on to the forwards. Here is my only gripe about the play yesterday. Oduro seemed to play a decent game yesterday but maybe did not have the final touch. We all know how good Dominic can play. And also we all know he will have a few games where his touch might falter him in traffic. His best attribute is speed. For Dominic to be at his best I think he should be paired with a play maker up top. I don't know that Puppo will be the play maker we are needing. He seems to play the same style as Dominic and not compliment him. We should have a striker who can look to feed the through ball and follow for the shot. If this is not seen to I think the Fire might have some offensive troubles this season. I suggest the idea of maybe trying to pair Pappa with Oduro. Using Marco's dribbling and play making abilities with Oduro's pace might just be what we need.
  Overall I would grade the team at a B-. It was great to hear Paladini get a goal back home, but I really expect a little more offensive venom from the first team.