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| Friday, September 14, 2001 24:14 EST |
Chicago Fire: 2001 Outlook
[ESPN.com news services]
After reaching MLS Cup 2000 at RFK Stadium, only to lose 1-0 to Kansas City, the Fire have a clear goal in 2001: return the MLS Cup title to the Windy City.
Dema Kovalenko has prospered under the tutelage of Hristo Stoitchkov. |
The Fire went 17-9-6 a year ago, and return most of the core of that team. Charismatic leader Hristo Stoitchkov has signed on for two more seasons in Chicago, and will combine with midfield general Peter Nowak to provide direction and creativity to the offense. Forward Josh Wolff should improve on his seven-goal total of a year ago, after his solid performance with the U.S. Olympic Team last summer. Wolff enters 2000 as the full-time starter at striker alongside Stoitchkov.
Nowak is surrounded by a host of talented players in the Fire midfield. U.S. National Team starter Chris Armas will once again patrol the defensive midfield. Hard-nosed and versatile midfielder Dema Kovalenko adds an element of skill and power at midfield. Speedy winger DaMarcus Beasley is a bright hope for the Fire and the U.S. National Team and figures to compete for a starting spot. Versatile veterans Jesse Marsch and Diego Gutierrez also factor in the midfield while Sergi Daniv adds depth after coming over from Dallas.
On defense, veteran Lubos Kubik was traded to Dallas, leaving C.J. Brown as the leader of the back line. Brown made 27 appearances a year ago, and will be flanked by 2000 Kellogg's Rookie of the Year Carlos Bocanegra. Adding depth to a solid back line are veteran Andrew Lewis and 2000 Olympian Evan Whitfield.
Chicago sports one of the deepest goalkeeper corps in the league. Starter Zach Thornton has become a perennial All-Star, while talented rookie Henry Ring will battle for playing time.
Key Addition:
M Sergi Daniv.
Key Departure:
D Lubos Kubik.
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2000 Fire Leaders
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Goals
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18, Ante Razov
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Assists
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14, Peter Nowak
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Points
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42, Ante Razov
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GAA
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1.28 Zach Thornton
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Keep an eye on:
F Josh Wolff (seven goals, 19 points) had a productive season in 2000, despite missing time to be with the U.S. Olympic squad. A full year with the Fire as a starter could do wonders for this forward, who has had many promising displays in MLS and with the full national team. F/M Dema Kovalenko (10 goals, 25 points) played several positions last year, playing equally well as a creative midfielder, a defensive midfielder and a striker. F Hristo Stoitchkov (nine goals, 25 points) was a charismatic leader of the Fire and his talented left foot is as lethal as there is in all of MLS.
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