The Chicago Fire FC made a statement in their homecoming win against FC Cincinnati
A Tuesday night in the Windy City, Chicago Fire FC would host FC Cincinnati at Soldier Field making their debut since the rebranding of the franchise returning to the stadium since 2005. The Fire, coming off a three-game losing streak, needed to make a statement.
In their previous match, they lost 3-0 to the Columbus Crew and were looking to turn things around. Although the loss looked bad there were positives. Here are the top three things we learned as they delivered when they needed it most.
4-2-3-1 is working for Chicago Fire FC
Coach Raphel Wicky has spent his time tinkering with this squad in the process of their rebuild. Wicky started off with a 4-1-4-1 then, later on, progressed to 3-5-2 during the MLS Is Back Tournament. But finally, he has found the right formation for the team. The 4-2-3-1 allows a balance in defense along with the midfield which gives room for the fire to create attacking opportunities through their midfield.
With a stacked midfield once the Fire obtains possession they are able to dish it out to their pacey attackers who create a counter-attack either through a through ball or a cross that is whipped into the box. The Fire is equipped with Robert Beric, Ignacio Aliceda, Frankowski, and Herbers to help score goals. The counter-attacking playing style with a constant press on defense has been effective for the Fire.
Chicago Fire FC’s Dynamic Duo: Gaston Giminez and Alvaro Medran
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Gimenez shined in the last game the fire played against Colombus Crew in which he created attacking outlet opportunities for the fire but could not be lethal in the final third. Once again Giminez shined with his partner in crime Alvaro Medran.
Giminez would provide an assist for the opening goal for the Fire just minutes after kick-off. A lovely flicked cross into the box where Fabian Herbers would time his run perfectly onside making a perfect first-time volley finish. Giminez would go on to receive the Heineken Man of the Match award after the final whistle.
Alvaro Medran would steal a piece of the spotlight not too long after. Going on to score an absolute screamer from over 20 yards giving a 2-0 lead. Both Medran and Giminez are important focal points to the Fire’s attacking front. Their service creates great opportunities for Chicago’s frontline and when they can be lethal as they were against Cincinnati they can take control over the game.
Consistency will be key for Chicago Fire FC
Since the start of the calendar year for the team, the Fire has struggled tremendously with consistency. Consistency brings results and that is what is expected for this team. They have struggled to score goals but are more than capable of getting on the scoresheet.
If the Fire desire to be successful they must be more consistent with making the most of their attacking opportunities. The problem for the Fire isn’t creating chances it is taking them. Chicago must make the most of their counter-attacking chances and through ball situation. The lack of consistency from the team has hurt them. Once they become a consistent team pouncing on opportunities they can build confidence that can carry them through games against tough opponents.
Overall impressive performance from the team. They played well creating good opportunities while also defending very well preventing Cincinnati from creating many chances. If the Fire can continue this run of form they can start competing in the Eastern conference again. Raphael Wicky‘s rebuild seems to be hopeful and will fall in place with time.