Feed the Fire: A Chicago Fire Podcast

Hey, soccer fans! Recently Nick attended a US Soccer Grassroots Coaching Course and is on track to be certified to coach at the youth and Grassroots levels. Tune in to hear how his own coaching experiences, playing experiences, and parenting of a soccer play experiences motivated him to start his formal coaching journey. In this episode, Nick discusses the overaching themes and principals of US Soccer's Grassroots Coaching. From providing a safe, positive learning environment, to encouraging experiential learnings, to bringing in some of his Socratic Method from law school, hear how Nick breaks down the lessons learned. He also discusses the nuances of how US Soccer wants their practices structured. LIsten in as Nick explains the Play-Practice-Play format, the STEP considerations, and the philosophy of Perceive-Decide-Act. In the end, the coaching courses have made Nick appreciate what coaches do day in and day out, and have given him a new perspective on his son's coaching staff and organization. Have you tough about coaching? Have you ever taken a US Soccer course? Follow the Fire on SportSpyder. Connect on social media: Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - YouTube Support our Show Partners and use the code GLASSHOUSE for 10% off: https://www.dubby.gg/discount/GLASSHOUSE?ref=yesixvek https://saltathletic.com/?ref=glasshousesoccer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hey, soccer fans! Major League Soccer has officially announced the schedule for the 2027 Sprint Season. Nick gives you all the details on the shortened season as the league aligns its schedule with other top-flight leagues around the world. Details include a 14 game, intra-conference schedule with a single-elimination, bracket style playoff. Still at stake are qualifications for international tournaments including Leagues Cup and the Conacacaf Champions Cup. Also, stay tuned for some trivia the Chicago Fire organization has released on its schedules and season openers/closers. Nick also reviews an article that caught his eye - the top 20 highest paid North American footballers and soccer players. It's no surprise that the list is dominated by players from the United States, Mexico, and Canada, but Haiti and the Dominican Republic are also represented. Who do you think is the highest paid player from the continent? Tune in to find out! Follow the Fire on SportSpyder. Connect on social media: Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - YouTube Support our Show Partners and use the code GLASSHOUSE for 10% off: https://www.dubby.gg/discount/GLASSHOUSE?ref=yesixvek https://saltathletic.com/?ref=glasshousesoccer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hey, soccer fans! Nick is back after a short hiatus. In this episode he asks and answers the question: "Are the Chicago Fire ready for the MLS Cup Playoffs?" He looks at the trends, both good and bad, for the club over their recent three game stretch. Despite two wins and a draw against Atlanta United, Orlando City, and the Colorado Rapids, Nick doesn't have confidence in the Men in Red to make a deep run in the Major League Soccer post-season. Specifically, they won't be able to come back from early deficits and can't take the time to integrate players against the better team in the Eastern Conference, like Nashville SC, Inter Miami, and the New England Revolution. However, there are some positives that the Fire can rely on to perhaps grind their way to an MLS Cup victory. The club has developed a winning mentality and a never-say-die attitude. They play until the final whistle and use their depth to supplement a strong attack off the bench and bring in fresh legs on defense. But will that be enough against stars like Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge, Leo Messi and Luis Suarez, Carles Gil and Matt Turner? Tune in and find out what Nick thinks. Follow the Fire on SportSpyder. Connect on social media: Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - YouTube Support our Show Partners and use the code GLASSHOUSE for 10% off: https://www.dubby.gg/discount/GLASSHOUSE?ref=yesixvek https://saltathletic.com/?ref=glasshousesoccer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire lost to the New England Revolution ... again. The Men in Red were unable to break down the Revolutions defense despite controlling possession, shooting, and attacking statistical categories. Nick looks at the issues with the Fire's offense including the integration of summer signings, utilization of substitutes, and improper analysis of superior stats. Remember, especially during the MLS Cup Playoffs, the only stat that matters at the end of the game is the score. Nick also takes a look at the Chicago Fire's potential playoff opponents and gives his preferences for certain matchups. The Fire have a long way to go to clinch a home playoff match at Soldier Field or SeatGeek Stadium, and their potential matchups aren't favorable. It's likely the Fire will face Philadelphia, New England, or Charlotte in the first round, best of three series. All these teams have given the Fire fits during the regular season, and it's up to Gregg Berhalter and entire coaching staff to come up with a game plan to advance. The second round will see the Fire face Nashville or Miami, the two most difficult teams to play against in Major League Soccer. There are only four matches left before the MLS post-season. Will the Fire go in on a hot streak or a slump? Will their new signings be fully integrated and comfortable with their teammates? Only time will tell, but we know for sure, there's still a lot of work left to do. Follow the Fire on SportSpyder. Connect on social media: Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - YouTube Support our Show Partners: https://www.dubby.gg/discount/GLASSHOUSE?ref=yesixvek https://saltathletic.com/?ref=glasshousesoccer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hey, soccer fans! Bad losses like the Chicago Fire's latest match vs. the Philadelphia Union force fans and teams to ask difficult questions. In this episode, Nick asks: Why the lineup changes? What is Gregg Berhalter doing with this subsitutions? Why is Robert Lewandowski playing so deep? Is it to open space for Maren Haile-Selassie? Is Andrew Gutman in the doghouse, hurt, or just getting rest? How can the Men in Red beat a team like the Union that press so high with so many defenders? Nick tries to find answers to the questions, but hopefully the club itself finds them before the MLS Cup Playoffs. To close the show, we also talk a little MLS trivia. Cavan Sulllivan sets the goal contribution records for teenagers, St. Louis City tie the longest unbeaten streak, and the Chicago Fire's 11 game win-streak in 1998 still isn't the longest win streak in league history! Tune in to find out more. Follow the Fire on SportSpyder. Connect on social media: Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - YouTube Support our Show Partners: https://www.dubby.gg/discount/GLASSHOUSE?ref=yesixvek https://saltathletic.com/?ref=glasshousesoccer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.