Numbers Don't Lie

  In 2007 MLS adopted the DP rule. This was a rule that would change the league forever. Some teams have used this rule wisely and flourished, others not so much. But one thing is for sure the gap between the have's and have not's has grown, and all the stats point to it getting even bigger. Unfortunately the Fire have been a tailspin since the 2008 season. Many fans are under the impression that the team has improved over the past couple of years, but the numbers just don't lie. Let's take a look at some of the teams season stats since 2008. I have included some of, what I would consider, the tell-tale numbers of a season. Points (PTS), Goals For (GF), Goals Against (GA), and Goal Differential (GD)

YR     PTS    GF     GA     GD

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2008  46       44       33      +11

2009  45       39       34      +5 

2010  36       37       38      -1

2011  43       46       45      +1

  At first glance you would think well it looks like they have made an improvement over the past couple of years. Which you would be obviusly right. But the when you compare our goal differential to the Supporters Shield winners from these years you will see that is not true. Difference in Goal Differentials (DGD)

YR     TEAM      GD       DGD

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2008   Crew        +14      -3

2009   Crew        +10      -5

2010   Galaxy      +18      -19

2011   Galaxy      +20      -19

  With the stats in hand it is easy to see why the Fire faithful are screaming for more adequate strikers and centerbacks. Chicago needs to do something to close this gap. Mediocrity is not something that we deserve. I am not saying go buy the most expensive players out there. But lets bring in some difference makers. 

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