Exclusive Interview: Former Fire Defender Jared Montz

We recently had the opportunity to ask former Fire defender Jared Montz some questions. The questions range from the current Fire roster to the USMNT to his soccer academy to the future of MLS. We hope you’ll enjoy the interview as much as we did! Make sure to check out both of Jared’s websites once you’re done reading through the interview, they are both very good resources for young athletes. 

It’s Time For a New Era in MLS

Not only will LA meet Robbie Keane with open arms, but so should the rest of MLS

MLS has come a long way since it’s inception in 1993 and it’s first league match in 1996. When league action first started in 1996 there were a number of things that made MLS stand out as a totally different league from most of the other soccer leagues in the world. There were several rules that were implemented that were meant to attract the average American sports fan. Since soccer was still relatively unpopular among the American public, the rules of the game weren’t very well understood – so MLS tweaked these rules some to try to make the game more appealing to the American public. Some of these changes have since made way for more traditional soccer rules, and some haven’t. There are still a few remaining rules and traditions that MLS needs to leave behind in order to usher in a new era where MLS continues to grow both here and abroad.

Is Marco Pappa on His Way Out of Chicago?

Marco Pappa

We’ve heard the rumors before. Marco Pappa to Villarreal. Marco Pappa to Newcastle United. Marco Pappa to Real Madrid. (Okay, I made that one up, but you get the point).

MLSRumors.net is reporting a possible move that would reportedly send Marco Pappa to Dutch side FC Twente. There is no telling how much validity this rumor has as of yet, and if the two sides are talking, how close they even are. All I know is what I have been able to find around the internet, and it seems to be a lot of rumor at this point. The question I am forced to ask is, what would this mean for Chicago Fire?

Team of the Future?

Dominc Oduro will be a key part of the Chicago attack in the future

When the season started we all had the hope that comes along with a new campaign. Our Men in Red were sitting atop the table – tied with every other club in the league. We brought in the Uruguayan duo of Gaston Puerari and Diego Chaves to provide some spark at the top. Sean Johnson was going to continue to grow and turn into one of the most dominant keepers in the league. We had Gonzalo Segares back for a full season, not just the tail end. And of course we had signed through the 2012 season. Things were looking bright and we were excited to get the new campaign under way.

Men in Red Sign Second Home Grown Player

Kellen Gulley becomes just the second home grown played signed by Chicago Fire

Kellen Gulley, a 17 year old Clinton, Ms native has signed with the first team as only the second Fire home grown player to do so. He has spent time with the US Men’s U-17 squad, Fire PDL, Chicago Fire Juniors – Mississippi, and has practiced with the first team on a handful of occasions. The news of this signing couldn’t be more welcome as the report says he will start practicing with the first team right away, and will be placed on the roster before the 2012 campaign kicks off. Gulley – by all reports – is a very talented striker who has the potential to turn into a top notch striker at the top of the Fire attack for a long time.