MenInRed97

News, analysis and banter: Your one stop shop for everything Chicago Fire. For everything about the Men In Red, from the "The Bonfire" to "Hot Takes," we've got you covered! Check out our social media channels! Website: www.meninred97.com MIR97 Media Twitter: www.twitter.com/meninred97 MIR97 Podcasts Twitter: www.twitter.com/mir97pods Instagram: www.instagram.com/meninred97 Facebook: www.facebook.com/meninred97

The Bonfire | The Revolution coming to Bridgeview

John is joined by Alan and Tim as the Fire get ready to face the New England Revolution for their final match at SeatGeek of the (regular?) season.

09-04
42:45

The Bonfire | Fire lose a draw in ATL; head to Montréal looking for 3 points | S3:E39

John is joined by Tim, DJ and Alan after disappointing 2-2 draw against Atlanta United that feels like 2 points dropped. The gang preview the Chicago Fire's game Saturday night in Montréal that feels like a must-win

07-18
46:11

The Bonfire | Have the Fire Lost Their Spark?; Fire need jump start to end skid as they head down south to face Nashville | S3:E18

John, Matt and DJ preview the first ever USMNT twitter Derby as Gregg Berhalter's Chicago Fire head down to Geodis Park to take on BJ Callaghan' Nashville SC. The guys talk Nashville's surprising start, how the fire can contain Mukhtar and Surridge, and if GGG needs to switch things up to get their fire back to the winning ways from earlier in the year. 

04-24
20:26

The Bonfire | Fire knock Cincy down a peg; MLS updates roster rules; Chris Brady stands on head; Klopas leads team to Miami | S2:E30

Alan is joined by DJ and Tim to discuss a stunning away win against the Supporters' Shield leaders (at the time). First, the Fire have named their new training center. MLS has created a new path for teams to construct younger rosters. Some transfer talk, more on the Summer Transfer Special! The Fire travel to Miami to face the newest leader of the Supporters' Shield race. https://meninred97.com/mls-announces-mid-season-roster-rule-changes/

07-20
57:23

The Bonfire | Shaqiri retires (from Swiss National Team); Fire and the Pigeons kick a ball around; Cuypers to the All-Star game?; Chicago takes on Cincinnati | S2:E29

*Choking Hazard* Alan survives and is joined by DJ and Tim to reflect on a nil-nil draw against NYCFC that was technically a game of soccer. First, Shaqiri is coming back to Chicago after his final European tournament. However, there is no rush to integrate him back into the first team. Chico is suspended for the All-Star game. The Fire take on a weakened Cincinnati back line as points become increasingly important to keep Chicago's playoff hopes alive.

07-17
46:42

The Bonfire | Fire find no way in San Jose; No Olympians (or olimpicos?), Chicago host NYCFC | S2:E28

Alan is joined by Tim and DJ to recount the Fire's unfruitful trip to San Jose. First, the guys lament that Brady and Guti didn't win a free trip to Paris, wonder where in the world Shaqiri might be.  They then preview the Fire's final home game at Soldier for nearly two months.

07-13
48:51

The Bonfire | Fire take 3 from Union; The Striker that was promised; Brady or Guti to Olympics?; Chicago at San Jose Sunday | S2:E27

Alan is joined by Tim and DJ to recap the stunning comeback win over the Philadelphia Union. First, the crew discuss if any Fire players will be headed to the Olympic team. Shaqiri might come back to Chicago as roster rule changes look less likely. Chicago kickoff at 7:30 central time in San Jose this Sunday.

07-07
54:41

The Bonfire | Teran in Tears; Sounders pounce on mistakes in box; Fire youngersters fighting for minutes; Union visit the Lakefront | S2:E26

Alan is joined by Tim and DJ to recap the Fire's recent trip to Seattle. First, the guys discuss the Fire's pipeline and which players may be moving up, down or out as the youngsters look for minutes and the first team looks for reinforcements. How will Teran's injury impact the first team? The Union visit Chicago as the Fire find themselves languishing in Wooden Spoon contention.

07-02
56:37

The Bonfire | Shaqiri scores in Euro 2024; Fire U15 MLS Next Cup Champions; Chicago senior team loses in Orlando; Cuypers carries on; Fire visit Sounders | S2:E25

Alan is joined by DJ and Tim to discuss the disappointing result on the road in Orlando. First, international tournaments abound. Shaqiri became the first MLS player to score in the Euros and Copa America is under way in the USA. Shaqiri hints at a move to Türkiye. In last place but only 3 points out of a playoff position, the Fire take on the Sounders in a pivotal road trip. Can Chicago get back in form before it's too late? https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-layla-kaszniak-after-her-tragic-loss

06-25
44:15

The Bonfire | Fire topple Toronto 4-1; Herbers has TOTW performance; Can Chicago continue run against Orlando? | S2:E24

Alan is joined by Tim and the best referee we know, Eray, to break down Chicago's win over Toronto that sent waves across MLS. First, the Euro's continue. Herbers and Klopas have Team of the Week performances. Chicago will look to extended their unbeaten run against a slumping Orlando team.

06-18
47:35

The Bonfire | Shaqiri wants Europe; Red Stars v Riot Fest; Gutierrez to MEX?; Fire take on The Reds of Toronto away | S2:E23

Welcome back to The Bonfire! Today Alan is joined by DJ and Tim to discuss all the news that happened during the international break. The Red Stars broke attendance records playing in Wrigley, but they were recently booted for a weekend from their home ground. Shaqiri tells Europe he's ready to come back, and that raises a number of questions for Chicago. The US had a positive break and the results may impact some Fire homegrowns. Later, the crew breaks down the 2024 Toronto side as we preview the away match set for this Saturday at BMO Field.

06-14
46:36

The Bonfire | Fire conquers the Galaxy (Eli Lesser in shambles); He TUCKED IN his shirt; a yellow team and Lugano lose cup finals; Is the 3-5-2 here to stay? | S2:E22

Alan is joined by Tim and DJ to break down the Fire's recent defeat of the LA Galaxy. The International Break is upon us and there's one question to answer in cf97-land; will Shaq return from Switzerland? Anthony lit the match that sparked a return to Koutsias and his tucked in shirt. Has Frank Klopas found a solution in the 3-5-2?

06-04
57:15

The Bonfire | Again, Fire lose at home; Omari Glasgow returns to Fire II; xG, a statistical disaster for Chicago; Get read, Fire visit the nation's capital. | S2:E19

Alan is joined by DJ, Tim, and The Bonfire's mascot Larry the Shark because time is a flat circle and the Fire have lost again. First, the crew discusses FC Lugano's Swiss Cup Final and their qualification to the UEFA Conference League. Tim talks about Frank Klopas' mentality going into the next match away at DC United.

05-22
01:02:26

The Bonfire | Fire fall again at home 0-1 vs Charlotte; 2 games move to Seat Geek this fall; Summer DPs?; Columbus visits as Chicago looks to dig out of the hole. | S2:E18

Alan is joined by Tim, DJ, and Jiggly to discuss another Fire loss. Today's conversation centers around frustration, what the Fire should do this summer in the transfer market, and what needs to happen to spark progress. Later, the Columbus Crew visit Soldier Field and the crew previews the match up.

05-18
58:33

The Bonfire | Jesse Marsch will not coach Chicago; An open letter to Joe; Fire finally lose to STL; Charlotte visits Midweek | S2:E17

Alan is joined by DJ and Tim to discuss the loss to CITY in St. Louis. First, the dream of Jesse Marsch returning to Chicago to coach has been laid to rest for now. Charlotte visits Midweek in a game that the Fire need to use to begin digging out of their hole.

05-15
36:55

The Bonfire | Omari Glasgow debut; Fire lose in "must dominate" game; Chicago's perfect record vs St. Louis CITY FC on the line | S2:E16

Alan is joined by Tim and DJ for a discussion about what went wrong on Saturday when the New England Revolution visited Soldier Field. First, the news. Omari Glasgow debuts in a Fire kit while Magellan debuts on a Fire kit. Red Stars want to play in the city. The Fire are headed down I-55 to St. Louis as they look to win again in a budding Rivalry Week matchup.

05-09
59:40

HOT TAKES LIVE | Gutman’s “Debut”, Mauri at the 6, and John Finally Loses It | S2:E05

Tim and Eray join Matt, Paul, and John on the latest episode of Hot Takes Live to hear from the community following the 3rd consecutive game without a Chicago Fire goal. The guys lament another week of Frank in charge and what it actually means to have a bad roster while Matt just can’t stop talking Gutman.

05-02
01:23:20

The Bonfire | Klopas tries the 4-4-2; Salquist out, who takes his place?; NEWS!; Revs visit in "must dominate" match for Fire; Can Gutierrez create for Cuypers? | S2:E15

Alan is joined by DJ and Tim to break down the stalemate against Atlanta United. First, a lot of news. The Fire had national attention this week when The Total Soccer Show featured the club, but it wasn't flattering. The Fire may soon be on the hunt for a new home after the Bears announced plans for a new stadium on the lakefront. MLS to Indy in ongoing war between MLS and USL. The New England Revolution and Carlos Gil visit Soldier Field this weekend in a game that should determine the short term future of some members of the club.  Why is this a game that Chicago must dominate? (Hint: 1-7-1)

05-02
01:12:26

The Bonfire | BWP calls out Fire on Apple TV; Frank Klopas on the hot seat?; RSL smokes Fire 4-0; Do we trust Heitz to hire next manager?; Atlanta visits for reverse match | S2:E14

Alan is joined by Tim and Matt to talk about the devastating defeat at the hands of Real Salt Lake. The team also discusses if Coach Frank Klopas is on the way out and if Heitz should get to choose the next manager. (The answer may surprise you.) Also, Bradley Wright Phillips had choice words for the Fire on Apple TV. Finally, Atlanta are visiting this weekend. Is this must win territory a quarter way into the season?

04-23
01:17:10

The Bonfire | New rules will bolster Fire?; Salquist draws red; Nick Poteres of Glass House Soccer joins; Fire take a point from 10 man NYRB; RSL visits | S2:E13

Alan is joined by Tim, DJ, and Nick Poteres of Glass House Soccer to break down the Men in Red's trip to New Jerseu which saw the Fire take a point from a 10 man Red Bulls team. First, FIFA calls on MLS to take advantage and new roster rules are imminite. How can the Fire capitalize? Later, the crew analyzes the upcoming match against a visiting Real Salt Lake side. Tune into the Feed the Fire Podcast to hear more from Nick!

04-16
01:14:46

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