Chicago Tribune: Fire hold on for 2-1 victory over Crew: With Grazzini possibly leaving, team interested in signing Ukrainian veteran Shevchenko
It was the first time the Fire (7-5-3, 24 points) had back-to-back wins victories this season.
Hot Time In Old Town: Fire get revenge on Crew; Grazzini says goodbye to Chicago?
The Crew came into the match on a six game unbeaten streak in MLS play. This included a 2-1 win over the Fire at Crew Stadium back in May.
Chicago Sun-Times: Marco Pappa, Dominic Oduro score in Fire’s 2-1 victory vs. Crew
Grazzini was subbed out in the 59th minute. As he came off the field, he lifted his jersey up to his chest to show fans his undershirt. It read, “Thanks Chicago,” an indication that his team option might not be picked up at the end of the month. He wasn’t available to reporters after the game.
The Columbus Dispatch: Fire 2, Crew 1: Crew can’t overcome early errors
Philadelphia was playing host to second-place Sporting Kansas City when Jack McInerney put the Union on the board with a goal in the first minute. Inside the visiting locker room, Crew midfielder Chris Birchall took notice.
“We said, ‘Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to us,’” he said. “Then we go out there, and it does. It’s disappointing.”
Match highlights at mlssoccer.com. I love Oduro’s goal (perfectly set up by Grazzini):
Simply from a public perception standpoint it seems that the front office has painted themselves into a corner once again by waiting to the last possible minute at the risk of alienating an important player. Of course, an agreement could be reached before June 30 and this will all blow over but it seems an unnecessary evil at this point. Ownership should know that another public relations gaffe will further alienate a hard core fan base already disheartened by other unnecessary mistakes …