Fire employs extensive arsenal of firepower
HOW THEY BEAT YOU: The arsenal of weapons is extensive. Hristo Stoitchkov, Peter Nowak, Dema Kovalenko, DaMarcus Beasley, Ante Razov and Eric Wynalda can all apply the coup de grace.
Kovalenko and Nowak are very tough to knock off the ball and can seldom be stopped by a single challenger. StoitchkovÆs incredible service over distance often catches defenders napping. He can float the ball wherever the defense isnÆt. Without him, more of the burden falls on Nowak and Kovalenko.
Beasley got his first two goals of the season in the 3-1 win at Los Angeles. His pace has been utilized centrally as well as on the flanks. He brings a breakaway threat the team has lacked, and he can be set free by defender Diego GutierrezÆs bending left-footed passes. He also pinches into the middle to leave room for Nowak.
HOW YOU BEAT THEM: Gutierrez, a converted midfielder, can be exploited on balls played behind him or over his head.
Defender Carlos Bocanegra is still learning how to organize and direct his teammates from the central position.
Several players have very short fuses. Kansas City Wizards defender Brandon Prideaux got Nowak tossed by gesturing to the referee that a card should be given for a dive: Prideaux was cautioned, but Nowak saw red for stamping on PrideauxÆs shin.
Zach Thornton has conceded some bad goals with clumsy handling of low shots.
Coach Bob Bradley has yet to pick a regular right-sided midfielder, where he has Jesse Marsch, Evan Whitfield, David Vaudreuil and Sergi Daniv to chose from. Marsch is the best defensive option, although heÆs more suited to playing in the middle. Whitfield and Daniv are stronger ù but by no means unstoppable ù going forward.
Stoitchkov is again hurt, and itÆs uncertain if he will be ready for the playoffs.