After days of training in Bradenton and Orlando, Fla., the Chicago Fire team staff sees confidence and promise in a squad prepared to come together. Veteran leadership is the backbone to build upon and Fire Head Coach Dave Sarachan credits team fitness from the start of camp for jumpstarting competitive training.
With the "Men in Red" staying relatively injury-free, the 34 camp participants saw plenty of field time. Coach Sarachan noted that while each player's game will get sharper with time, in the area of conditioning, the team was right on track. Many of the younger players showed through their determined play that they understood the stakes involved in the battle for roster spots. That message was not lost on "Fire Originals" Chris Armas and C.J. Brown, both of whom came to camp looking sharp as ever.
When asked about who looked the most game-fit, both coach and trainer agreed who led the way.
"Chris Armas is obviously our captain. He came into the preseason in top shape and top physical form," said strength and conditioning coach Kale Hoyt. "He's had his ailments, but he's been one of our top fitness guys again. Overall each guy's fitness is continuing to increase."
"A guy such as C.J., it usually takes him a little time to get his body going, but this year I think he is ahead of past years," said Sarachan. "I think Jimmy Curtin had a pretty solid two weeks. For the most part there were not many I felt that were incredibly behind or ahead of the curve."
One notable absence from preseason was veteran goalkeeper Zach Thornton, who did not attend camp but is still under contract to the Fire. Incumbent goalkeeper Matt Pickens is the clear starter, while third-year backup David Mahoney, trialist Josh Saunders and supplemental draft pick Nick Noble will battle for the final two 'keeper spots. With depth at his disposal throughout his entire roster, Sarachan is prepared to move forward.
"Each year you just have a different mix of people, some of our veterans left this year, many came back," said Sarachan. "Its the beginning of a new, different cycle. The base of fitness the players came in with was a little bit ahead of last, so our starting point was better. Some similarities, some unique differences.
"I think starting out it's similar, where you bring a new group of players together - some young, some old - and from the beginning through the end of the first stretch you become more of a team," continued Sarachan. "What we accomplished is an understanding of one another, getting to know the new players in a settle-in period while building a base of soccer and fitness."
An uncharacteristic cold spell met the players during the Florida stay, subsequently effecting field conditions. Despite those conditions, the staff focused on building cohesion and raising the team's fitness level.
"IMG was gorgeous, definitely gorgeous," said Hoyt. "We didn't have anything to work with strength-wise, but we did have the fields for play and conditioning."
"IMG has a little of everything, but you're always able to get on a pretty good soccer field," added Sarachan. "The living arrangements are comfortable, and the players are learning to get to know each other through sharing apartments.
"There are always teams [in Bradenton] for competition. All the teams we played, except for maybe Houston, threw a lot of players out there, some of which were veterans ... you could say their core teams," Sarachan explained. "Then they'd later throw out guys they drafted or picked up on trial. Our purpose was to have a look at our first-year guys and a couple trialists and get a gauge for how our roster will look come March."
You would think leaving the gentle, warm Florida breeze would be tough, but after being away from home for nearly two weeks, the Fire's players and staff were ready to return. The Fire takes a three-day Chicago respite before flying on Monday to The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., where they will face Chivas USA on March 3 after a handful of days of training to truly kick off the second leg of preseason.
"The whole trip was absolutely amazing, but I'm ecstatic to be back in Chicago," said Hoyt. "I actually love the cold air, especially when it hits you the first time coming back home, its great.
"Its always great coming home," said Sarachan. "I know my family is excited to have me home, if only for three days."
No Love Bug
Condolences to Fire Team Manager Charles Raycroft, whose rental van full of team gear broke down en route back to Chicago from Florida, leaving him stranded for a period in Georgia. Kudos are in order as, thankfully, Raycroft made it back to Chicagoland in one piece, with equipment still in tow.
