Turmoil in Chi-town: the Chicago Fire has more problems than the dour 0-0 home showing it put in against Colorado over the weekend, says Nick Firchau of the Daily Southtown. No decision has been made on a successor to Coach Dave Sarachan — the interim coach is Denis Hamlett — and owner Anschutz Entertainment Group is rumored to be exploring a sale to a private group.
As Firchau says: "The flurry of activity behind the scenes has provided a much more dramatic backdrop," than Saturday's poor performance at Toyota Park. MLS Commissioner Don Garber, who attended the game, seemed to be in support of a potential Fire sale. "All I can say is that it wouldn't surprise me if there was going to be a purchase of the Chicago Fire," he told reporters, confirming the ongoing negotiations.
Lee Stern, board member of the MLB's Chicago White Sox who was also in attendance on Saturday, has been rumored to be interested in the team, most likely as one of a group of investors. "I'm about $34 million short right now," is all he would say about the speculation. "Honestly, no one has said anything to me about anything." Meanwhile, Fire GM John Guppy, who did not speak with reporters after the match, has said that a permanent coach will be named soon, possibly this week.