Dollars and Sense

  Over the past year Chicago has made a lot of severe cuts to the squad. For years the Fire were built around longtime team veterans with a few international "stars" mixed in. Almost every player on the pitch was always recognizable. This is a stark contrast to the team that graces our pitch today.
  At the conclusion of the 2010 season Chicago made drastic cuts to the roster. It appeared as if serious changes were on the horizon. When last years campaign began it was very apparent that we were in store for a long season.
  The team was the "poster-child" of mediocrity. We no longer had a "star" name to even show up and root for. I know many of you are going to come to the defenses of some of these guys, but lets be honest. Chicago was trying to put a team on the field that was just good enough to sell a few tickets and still only have to pay minimum salaries.
  After a coma inducing beginning to the season Fire management brought in a couple of talented players in the July window. Grazzini and Pardo arrived to open arms in the summer. It was not long until we found ourselves hoping for a chance for the playoffs, and miraculously in the Open Cup final. It was just enough to spark the interest of fans and supporters again. In the end it was too little too late.
  With the Quaker deal this year and the removal of a few key players from last year. It appeared as if the Fire were set to make a big move for the team. I had thought they had seen the spark created at the end of the year and realized how close they were to having something really special. Instead they bring in another couple of relatively unknown role players while all of the other teams were bringing in proven international stars.
  It is seeming to become more and more clear that the team is worried about the bottom line instead of a putting a quality squad on the field. With the season fast approaching and the management burying their heads in the sand, I fear another long dreadful season might be upon us. Don't be surprised if we limp along until July. Then we will bring in another couple of mid-level players and finish mid-table.
  What happened to the Fire from a few years back? We used to expect to make the playoffs. Not be pleased with a chance. Making the Open Cup finals would not have sufficed. We demanded results and silverware. I for one do not want to sit complacently for another year. But I am only a fan I con't do anything can I?                                              Well I guess making the playoffs is good enough,,,right?

Oh well we are building for the....future?                     Who cares just drink the Kool-Aid,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, it

will be alright.....right?

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