At this point, watching the Chicago Fire feels like some sort of punishment. After being obliterated by Messi-less Miami in front of 55,000 spectators and Jason Derulo, a change of venue didn’t help as they lost to DC United in Bridgeview. Alex Campbell and Joe Chatz of OnTap Sports want to talk about those games as little as possible, so they take listener questions! Is there any hope for this team? Who deserves to be kept around? How long would a proper rebuild take? We try to provide some answers and optimism on the CHGO Fire Podcast.

He’s outta here! On Wednesday morning, the Chicago Fire announced they and Xherdan Shaqiri had mutually agreed to terminate the remainder of the Swiss international’s contract bringing to an end three underwhelming, well-paid years in Chicago. Alex is joined by Alex Calabrese of Men In Red 97, who initially broke the news, to look back on the now former designated player’s time in red (and navy) as the team looks ahead to the home stretch of the season and the promise of change this winter.

*This podcast was recorded before the news broke that the Fire were trading for Ari Lassiter from CF Montreal*

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The unthinkable and long-awaited has finally occurred! Monday morning, the Chicago Fire announced that Sporting Director Georg Heitz is stepping down from his position after this season having spend five years in charge of the club’s soccer operation. Alex reacts to the news, looks back at the highs and (mostly) lows of Heitz’s tenure, and ponders what comes next.

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The break in MLS play for Leagues Cup is here, and the Chicago Fire are both barely out of the playoffs and barely out of last place. A win away to conference-leading Cincinnati was sandwiched by games that were disappointing for different reasons. Where does that leave things as the Fire travel to KC to kick off their part in the summer cash-grab? Also, has anyone seen Xherdan Shaqiri? Alex and Tim Hotze of MenInRed97 have all that to discuss and more!

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Just weeks after it felt hope had been restored, the Chicago Fire continue to barely flicker. Three losses in their last four, including an embarrassing loss to league-worst San Jose and only slightly helped by a crazy 4-3 win over Philadelphia have the Fire once again looking like one of MLS’ worst teams. Alex is joined by Joe Chatz to break down the games and explain what’s going on at Soldier Field. Meanwhile, Chris Brady is not going to France and nobody knows where Xherdan Shaqiri is going.

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The Fire have won back-to-back games! The Fire won a game on the road! The Fire scored four goals in a game, including goals by Mauricio Pineda and Alan Arigoni?! The vibes are…good? Alex is joined by Alan Krolikowski to discuss what conclusions we can start to draw from the four games since the team’s tactical shift. Speaking of which, it sure seems like Shaqiri is gone; where would that leave the Fire’s roster? Also, we give out some mid-season superlatives!

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It actually happened! For the first time in two months, the Chicago Fire won a soccer game! Even better, it was against an LA Galaxy team they hadn’t beaten in 14 years! Alex is joined by Nick Poteres of Glass House Soccer to revel in the rare moment of joy. There were two other games that happened since last show, both 1-1 draws and both less important. Meanwhile, Shaqiri might be gone, Brady and Gutierrez might not be going to Paris, and the Fire are playing a back three!?

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