Many questions proceed to swirl across the Fire. Their long-term house is unsure, and even their future identify is up within the air.
But one factor is fairly apparent: President and common supervisor Nelson Rodriguez expects this workforce to make the playoffs.
“I think we’re deep,’’ Rodriguez said Wednesday. ‘‘We have a deeper roster. We have more variety. I like us. Now, time will tell, and we’ll see how it all goes, but I do think we’re a playoff team, and I think we’re a darn good team.”
On Saturday, the Fire did look good.
Shooting for a 3rd consecutive constructive outcome, the Fire beat Minnesota United 2-0. After blanking Los Angeles FC in a draw, then routing New England 5-0, the Fire have been coming off two of their finest performances. This one wasn’t too shabby, both.
The victory may’ve been pricey, nonetheless
The Fire took a 1-Zero lead within the 21st minute on Nicolas Gaitan’s second purpose of the season. On the counter after a Minnesota United nook kick, captain Dax McCarty chipped into house for Przemyslaw Frankowski, whose centering cross for Gaitan was walked into an open internet.
Unfortunately for the Fire, Gaitan’s evening ended within the 33rd minute after he pulled a hamstring. A minute later, Aleksandar Katai scored to double the Fire’s lead.
In the second half, the Fire successfully locked down the sport for his or her second straight victory and third straight shutout. The final time the Fire had gained consecutive league video games was throughout a four-game run from June 10 to July 1, 2017.
Coach Veljko Paunovic stated Gaitan was having an MRI examination and would miss video games. But aside from that, it was one other encouraging evening.
“It’s a good feeling when you put together three consecutive good performances,” McCarty stated. “Then you can feel like you’ve built some momentum heading into an important summer.”
Since final season, the Fire (4-4-4, 16 factors) have added Gaitan, Frankowski, David Ousted, C.J. Sapong and Francisco Calvo to a roster that wanted reinforcements. Through 12 video games, the outcomes have been inconsistent however nearer to the 2017 playoff workforce than final yr’s group that bottomed out.
With all that in thoughts, Rodriguez stated he’s “willing to give time to the team and the coaching staff to put it all together.”
But progress isn’t measured in fashion or leisure or the reputations of the gamers who be part of the membership. It’s decided by the standings.
“It always will be,’’ Rodriguez said. ‘‘It’s the ultimate measure. We don’t hide from that. The difference is we’re not caught up in just the last result. There’s a process to building a team, to building a culture. Our competitive level within the group is better than it’s ever been. Our ability to play in different ways is better than it’s ever been. Over 34 games, I’ll be proven right or I’ll be proven wrong.”