Introduction to the Fire’s Playoff Return
The Fire are set to return to the playoffs after an eight-year absence, with their last appearance being in 2017. Goalkeeper Chris Brady was just 13 years old when the Fire last played in an MLS playoff game. Along with his academy teammates, the teenage Brady was in the stands in Bridgeview on Oct. 25, 2017, when the Fire lost 4-0 to the Red Bulls to end what looked like a resurgent season for the club when they brought in international superstar Bastian Schweinsteiger and challenged for the league’s best record.
The Long Journey Back to the Playoffs
Instead, it was a mirage as the Fire soon returned to the MLS wasteland. But finally, eight years later, the Fire are back in the postseason and hosting Orlando City on Wednesday night in Bridgeview in the Eastern Conference wild card game. “It’s crazy to think that [2017] would have been the last time up until now we’d appear,” said Brady, now 21 and one of the best goalies in MLS who is emerging as a contender for playing time with the US national team. “That little bit of realization is crazy to me, that now I’m in this position where I can help this team and this club do something incredible. But the fact that we’re here, [I’m] very proud to be a part of it.”
A New Era Under Coach Gregg Berhalter
With a win against Orlando, the Fire would book a matchup with the Supporters’ Shield-winning Philadelphia Union in the next round of the playoffs. They’d also erase more of their recent history, which has been either unremarkable or negative. The club – one of the dominant league forces in its first decade of existence – hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2009 season when the Fire came within a penalty shootout of winning the Eastern Conference and reaching MLS Cup. Because of the dry spell, the main theme around the Fire has been how to unlock the franchise’s potential, something a handful of coaches and executives failed to accomplish.
Unlocking the Franchise’s Potential
In his first season, coach Gregg Berhalter has made significant strides. The Fire set team records for most away wins, most goals and most away goals. Yet Berhalter knows those are just steps toward where he wants to take the Fire. “There’s a lot to be proud of, but having said that, there’s still ways to go and we still want to keep improving,” Berhalter said. “I mentioned early on that I see this club as a sleeping giant. And I really believe that. We have more to show and there’s more to come, but certainly proud of the work rate of the players, of the desire, the attitude, throughout this whole season and it’s really helped us achieve some of our objectives.”
A Change in Culture and Mindset
Left unsaid, one of those objectives was to be a competent, steady and well-run MLS team. The Fire finally look the part. Brady has noticed the change under Berhalter, mentioning the players’ steady focus, the club’s organization and how everything around the team is streamlined. “I really appreciate the work that he’s done so far,” Brady said. “I’ve grown quite a bit playing for him. It’s crazy to look at when you compare where we were to where we are now, and then also where we could be in the next few years.”
Looking to the Future
That’s why Brady prefers to look to the future and not back to 2017. Though what happened eight years ago is part of the Fire’s history, there are few links between that group and the team and franchise that will play Wednesday against Orlando. “For those of us who have been here long enough to remember that [2017 match], we definitely want to make sure that something like that doesn’t happen,” Brady said. “We’re not looking back too much. We’re looking forward.”
Conclusion
The Fire’s return to the playoffs marks a significant milestone in the team’s history, and with coach Gregg Berhalter at the helm, the team is looking to unlock its full potential. With a strong squad and a renewed sense of purpose, the Fire are ready to take on the challenge of the playoffs and make a deep run.
FAQs
Q: When was the Fire’s last playoff appearance?
A: The Fire’s last playoff appearance was in 2017.
Q: Who is the Fire’s current coach?
A: The Fire’s current coach is Gregg Berhalter.
Q: What is the Fire’s first playoff game?
A: The Fire’s first playoff game is against Orlando City on Wednesday night in Bridgeview.
Q: What is at stake for the Fire in their first playoff game?
A: A win against Orlando would book a matchup with the Supporters’ Shield-winning Philadelphia Union in the next round of the playoffs.
