BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. - Despite seeing his club earn another important win Saturday night against the Colorado Rapids at Toyota Park, Chicago Fire head coach Dave Sarachan still found ways his team could improve upon the 1-0 result.
"Another 0 on the other side, it's an important element, keeping teams off the board," said Sarachan. "We sure made life tough on us. We should've killed off this game a lot sooner. We need to hold the ball better."
With the thrilling and aggressive play of Chicago, it's hard to imagine that anyone would be critical of the team. Despite his concerns, Sarachan said he was happy with most areas. </p>
"I was impressed with the totality of the game and the effort that the team put in," Sarachan said. "We have got to understand though, that there is a balance between getting the second goal and managing the game.
"With four minutes of added time, if you get the ball, just keep it, no need for the second."</p>
From most vantage points, the team has become more aggressive of late, looking for more goals. Rookie Dasan Robinson, who scored his first professional goal in the win, said there has been no change.</p>
"We are playing with the same intensity, and effort," Robinson said. "Our plays are coming together now. Defensively, we've had three straight shutouts, so that's a good stretch."
"Dasan is still learning on the job", said Sarachan. "He has been a pleasant surprise this season, and has done quite well."
Despite not getting a goal, Fire forward Andy Herron felt good about the chances he made for his team.
"I feel happy," Herron said. "I want to do my best for my team. I just keep working. Didn't get the goal, but it doesn't matter, I'm just helping my teammates.
"Games make you confident. Goals make you feel better on the field. It's a long season and there are ups and downs. We had a tough time, but now things are coming together."
Rookie Calen Carr spoke like a veteran when commenting about Robinson's first goal. "I'm really happy for Dasan.," Carr said. "He has worked hard throughout the season. Lots of players have to step-up and he did today. He beat his man and got his first goal."
Carr can be the epitome of this Chicago team lately. They've taken a lot of abuse but it doesn't phase them; they just keep pushing harder. Carr has taken some vicious hits in the past few games but he won't back down.</p>
"I've always played at full speed," Carr said. "I guess my taking hits is a product of going all out. I know how to take a hit. I'm not going to avoid contact."
Jack Daniel Chavez is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
