Three simple questions: Chicago Fire

We're getting near the end of the series, and as promised, Fire Confidential rookie of the year Sam Stejskal is here to explain the Chicago Fire. As you may remember, these guys were my preseason title pick, so I'd like some answers as well. Clearly, they did not follow my instructions.

NSC: What went wrong?

SS: The Fire's issues this season were mental ones. They were one of the most talented teams in the league throughout the year but lost a ton of points by giving up late goals -- especially at home. Despite the squad's veteran makeup, they were never good at closing out games and that came back to haunt them in the end -- as we saw with the penalty kick loss to Real Salt Lake.

NSC: What went right?

SS: The way-young guys stepped up while filling in for injured veterans. This is especially important considering Chris Rolfe and Cuauhtemoc Blanco won't be back next year and Gonzalo Segares is likely to move on to Europe. Mike Banner, Daniel Woolard, and Patrick Nyarko all got significant minutes in 2009 and proved that they will be able to step into the starting lineup for 2010 if necessary.

NSC: What, if not who, does the team need to acquire?

SS: The Fire's roster is actually looking pretty good for 2010. However, if I'm Technical Director Frank Klopas, I'm looking for a creative attacker that can fill the hole that Cuauhtemoc Blanco's departure creates. I would think the Fire would splurge on a DP (or maybe make a run at Schelotto) for this spot.


- Greg Seltzer