I'll certainly look at that game as an important step for us as well."
WHO MADE THE MOST IMPROVEMENT OVER THE COURSE OF THE SEASON?
Several young players for the Fire stepped up to have key roles for the team in 2005, most notably striker Chris Rolfe, who finished as the team's leading scorer with eight goals and four assists, and defender Gonzalo Segares, who started 21 regular season games and was a fixture in the postseason as well.
Notre Dame product Jack Stewart steadily improved his game during the season and found more playing time as the season approached its climax. He only started three games during the regular season with one goal scored in nine appearances. However, he played a key role for Chicago in the postseason, starting in the second-leg match against D.C. United and in the Eastern Conference Championship against New England. Stewart took advantage of his opportunity, scoring the first goal in Chicago's big win in Washington.
"Gonzalo had some early reserve games, did well and never looked back," said Sarachan. "I would include guys like Jack Stewart, who did at the end find time on the field, but spent a good portion of our season in the reserve-type games. I would say we would look toward Jack (to make an impact in '06)."
WHAT RESERVES ARE MOST READY TO MOVE INTO THE TEAM?
Rolfe, Segares and Stewart aren't the only promising young players on the Fire roster, though, and Sarachan and his staff will be looking for others to step up and take more responsibility next season.
"We still feel that we've got good young players -- Chad Barrett, Will John, Will Johnson," said Sarachan. "These are young guys that didn't see a lot of minutes this year, some a little more than others, but these are three guys now in year two (who can) elevate themselves to be in a position to content for playing time."
Sarachan is also looking forward to the return of several of his players who spent much of the season on the trainer's table, instead of on the field.
"Guys that were snake-bitten by injuries this season -- guys like Andy Herron and John Thorrington and Tony Sanneh," he said. "Those are guys that had a tough year through a variety of injuries, but clearly are all quality players that, given better fitness and form, feel they'll be almost like additions to us next year."
Midfielder Chris Armas should also be finishing his ACL surgery rehabilitation near the start of the season.
"I should be back around March or April," he said. "For myself, I expect to be healthy as I was for most of this year. But in the time when it mattered most, somewhere inside you feel like you let the team down. Not that I can control getting hurt, but I want to be there for the team the whole year."
WHAT AREA OF THE TEAM NEEDS THE MOST IMPROVEMENT?
As stated, the biggest area for concern heading into 2006 is their continued issue of leaking goals. The inability to keep their opponents off the score sheet made it difficult for the club to accumulate a high point total. They finished the season with a respectable 49, but could have had more if their away form in particular had been better. The Fire tied only four games all season and only one on the road. Had they allowed fewer goals, they likely could have stolen a few more points with some draws.
Moving into the 2006 MLS SuperDraft, which is set for Jan. 20 in Philadelphia, Sarachan will be looking for depth not only in defense, but in all the areas of the field.
"Just like every year, we will compile a list of players that we think would fit well within our way of doing things here in Chicago," he said. "Going into this particular draft I would say we would look for players in a number of different positions. I think we can still improve ourselves at the back, in the midfield and up front. I don't think there's one specific position that we're going to target."
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
