Chicago Fire veteran Chris Armas will don the captain arm band for the fifth consecutive year as the team celebrates its 10th season of Major League Soccer play. Armas has been a stalwart for the Fire since the team's inception in 1998 and his team-first attitude and on-field leadership has helped the Fire capture four Domestic Cup trophies - the 1998 MLS Cup and 1998, 2000 and 2003 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups. The Long Island native has racked up an impressive array of accolades during his 11-year MLS career, having been named to five MLS "Best XI" Teams (1998-2001, 2003) and seven MLS All-Star Teams (1998-2004), while also earning the 2003 ACE MLS Comeback Player of the Year Award and 2003 Fire/Honda Most Valuable Player honor. Fire Insider had the chance to catch up with this "Fire Original" and ask him a few questions about preseason and the upcoming April 7 home opener.
Fire Insider (FI): How does it feel to be playing the season opener in your own stadium TOYOTA PARK?
Chris Armas (CA): It seems like its been a while since we've had a home opener and its refreshing after last year when we had so many of our first games on the road. You want to start the season with a win and obviously being at home gives us the best chance of that.
FI: Fans are used to seeing you with a shaved head. What made you decide to grow out your hair and can fans expect this look all season?
CA: My wife asked me "Hey, why don't you grow your hair?" Now that I have it I'm a little hesitant to cut it off again but I'm not set either way. I might cut it off when it gets hot out. Everyone says that this makes me look younger so maybe that's a reason to keep the hair.
FI: Do you feel that TOYOTA PARK will offer the team a strong home field advantage?
CA: I do. We felt at home last year but we were still learning the place and the stadium was new. We have a great venue, fantastic fans, and a tradition of playing well at home. We know what it means to play at home in front of your home fans and carrying a certain sense of pride. I certainly am planning on winning and getting points every single time out at home.
FI: This particular Fire roster boasts a lot of younger players. As a veteran, do the players turn to you for advice?
CA: There have been a few guys that have had some questions which is great. I'm watching the younger guys all the time, in fact I watch everyone so that I can offer leadership and teach mostly soccer-related issues. We all want results fast from the young players but it's a process coming up from college and entering the pros. I offer advice, comments, and critiques ultimately to help their game along and make their transition smoother. I think any advice from guys who have been around can be very helpful.
FI: Which location do you feel was the most productive during preseason? Why?
CA: I think Bradenton, Fla. was important, because we got off to the right start and really came together. I think in trips two, three, and four, we built on what we set in the first camp. It is a very intimate setting and with training twice a day we saw a lot of each other on and off the field. It was tight quarters - we spent a lot of time in the training room together, watched a lot of soccer on T.V., and played cards at night. I think we set the right tone during that trip and really came together.
FI: What is the team working on gearing up for New England in the first game?
CA: We are trying to iron out the details; we call them the little things that ultimately add up to big things in real games. It's much easier said than done. If you look at our results overall, they aren't that great. If you look at our results with the first team, that is the team that the fans are going to see come opening day. Overall I think the game we've played have exposed a few issues, such as concentration in front of our own goal. We want to minimize mistakes and control all the little things we can get right.
FI: Do you have any game-day superstitions or habits that you go through before games?
CA: No not superstitions, because I'm no longer superstitious, but I guess I do have habits. Home game days are usually long days but I try to eat twice before the game; morning and afternoon - mostly bland food, nothing heavy. I try to hangout with the family and spend time with my kids. I like to watch soccer on T.V. and then get to the stadium early for treatment and maybe a light massage. If I happen to miss any of those things, it's no big deal - I don't think we are going to lose or that I am going to play poorly. I look forward to games, it's the best part of my week and I am physically and mentally prepared for them.
FI: Who do you feel will have a breakout year this season?
CA: I think Chris Rolfe may have had a breakout year to everyone else but I think that nobody has seen what he really can do. Another guy that can day in and day out dominate is Justin Mapp. He has the potential to be the team's most valuable player, the league's most valuable player, and a regular on the U.S. Men's National Team. Those two I'm hopeful for, and even though people have seen more than just glimpses of what they can do, I think there is more to come from both them.
FI: What does playing in your 12th overall season mean to you?
CA: I'm excited once again. I don't think of it as my twelfth year - it's just exciting to once again be out here. I'm proud that I have been around Major League Soccer for this long and I'm proud that I've been able to play for this club for almost my entire career. I've really cherished this preseason.
