2015 Chicago Fire season explained
| Club: | Chicago Fire |
| Season: | 2015 |
| Chairman: | Andrew Hauptman |
| Mgrtitle: | Head coach |
| Stdtitle: | Stadium |
| Stadium: | Toyota Park
(capacity: 20,000) |
| League: | MLS |
| League2: | MLS Cup Playoffs |
| League2 Result: | Did not qualify |
| Cup1: | U.S. Open Cup |
| Cup1 Result: | Semifinals |
| Cup2: | Brimstone Cup |
| Cup2 Result: | Winners |
| League Topscorer: | David Accam (10) |
| Highest Attendance: | 20,280
vs Orlando City SC (September 19) |
| Lowest Attendance: | 11,196
vs New York Red Bulls (August 26) |
| Average Attendance: | (regular season) |
| Largest Win: | CHI 3-0 MTL (5/30) |
| Largest Loss: | DC 4-0 CHI (10/18) |
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| Socks1: | FFFFFF |
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| Prevseason: | 2014 |
| Nextseason: | 2016 |
The 2015 Chicago Fire season was the club's 17th year of existence, as well as their 18th season in Major League Soccer and their 18th consecutive year in the top-flight of American soccer.
Chicago Fire began the regular season on March 6, 2015 with an away match against the defending champions LA Galaxy. They finished the regular season on October 25, 2015, with a home match against the New York Red Bulls. The club has missed the playoffs for the fifth time in the past six years.
For the first time in the franchise history Chicago Fire opened the season with three consecutive losses.[1]
On September 20, 2015, entrenched in last place both in the conference and overall, with the playoff hopes out of sight, the club parted ways with head coach and director of soccer Frank Yallop and assistant coaches Marc Bircham and Clint Mathis. In two seasons with the Fire Yallop posted a 13-26-24 record. Fire named the technical director Brian Bliss as interim coach, while the vice president and former player Logan Pause took over as interim assistant coach. The club also hired Nelson Rodriguez, a former MLS executive, as new general manager.[2] [3]
On October 3, 2015, Ante Razov, the club's all-time leading scorer, became the eighth individual to be inducted into the club's Ring of Fire Hall of Fame.[4] The ceremony took place during the halftime of the regular season home match against New England Revolution.[5]
On October 14, 2015 Chicago Fire announced the end of a four-year run with the title sponsor Quaker and introduced Valspar as the sponsor starting with 2016 season. The three-year deal is worth between $2.5 million and $3 million per year.[6]
For the first time in the club's history Fire finished the season with zero road wins (0-12-5). The club has finished the season with an overall record of 8 wins, 20 losses and 6 ties. Twenty losses in a season became the highest in the club's history.[7] The club has finished the season in last place in the league overall, also another first in the club's history.
Squad at the end of the season
As of October 25, 2015. Source: Chicago Fire official roster
| No. | Name | Nationality | Position | Date of birth (aged) | Previous club |
|---|
| Goalkeepers |
|---|
| 1 | Alec Kann |  | GK | October 25, 2015 | Charleston Battery |
| 18 | Jon Busch | | GK | October 25, 2015 | San Jose Earthquakes |
| 25 | Sean Johnson | | GK | October 25, 2015 | Atlanta Blackhawks |
| Defenders |
|---|
| 2 | Matt Polster | | D | October 25, 2015 | SIU Edwardsville Cougars |
| 3 | Joevin Jones | | D | October 25, 2015 |  HJK Helsinki |
| 4 | Adaílton |  | CB | October 25, 2015 | Esporte Clube Bahia |
| 5 | Lovel Palmer |  | RB | October 25, 2015 | Real Salt Lake |
| 6 | Eric Gehrig | | D | October 25, 2015 | Columbus Crew SC |
| 16 | Greg Cochrane | | D | October 25, 2015 | Los Angeles Galaxy |
| 20 | Jeff Larentowicz | | D | October 25, 2015 | Colorado Rapids |
| 22 | Patrick Doody | | D | October 25, 2015 | Indiana University Hoosiers |
| 24 | Ty Harden | | D | October 25, 2015 | San Jose Earthquakes |
| 55 | Daneil Cyrus | | D | October 25, 2015 | W Connection F.C. |
| Midfielders |
|---|
| 8 | Matt Watson | | M | October 25, 2015 |  Vancouver Whitecaps FC |
| 17 | Collin Fernandez | | M | October 25, 2015 | Chicago Fire Juniors |
| 19 | Harry Shipp | | M | October 25, 2015 | University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish |
| 21 | Chris Ritter | | M | October 25, 2015 | Northwestern University Wildcats |
| 26 | Michael Stephens | | M | October 25, 2015 |  Stabæk |
| 27 | Kingsley Bryce | | M | October 25, 2015 | Saint Louis University |
| 30 | Răzvan Cociș | | M | October 25, 2015 |  FC Hoverla Uzhhorod |
| Forwards |
|---|
| 7 | Jason Johnson | | F | October 25, 2015 | Houston Dynamo |
| 9 | Mike Magee | | F | October 25, 2015 | Los Angeles Galaxy |
| 11 | David Accam |  | F | October 25, 2015 |  Helsingborgs IF |
| 14 | Patrick Nyarko | | F | October 25, 2015 | Virginia Tech Hokies |
| 29 | Gilberto | | F | October 25, 2015 | Toronto FC |
| 77 | Kennedy Igboananike | | F | October 25, 2015 | AIK |
|
Player movement
See also: List of Major League Soccer transfers 2015.
In
Per Major League Soccer and club policies terms of the deals do not get disclosed.
| Date | Player | Position | Previous club | Notes | Ref |
|---|
| October 29, 2014 | | D | | Re-signed with the club | [8] |
| November 18, 2014 | | F | | Re-signed with the club | [9] |
| December 2, 2014 | | F | | | [10] [11] |
| December 3, 2014 | | D | | Signed with the club | [12] |
| December 9, 2014 | | M | | Signed with the club | [13] |
| December 10, 2014 | | D | | After being selected by Orlando City SC from Columbus Crew SC as the tenth pick in the 2014 MLS Expansion Draft, Chicago Fire acquired his Right of First Refusal in exchange for the natural selection in the second round of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft; he was signed on December 16 | [14] [15] |
| December 19, 2014 | | F | | | [16] [17] |
| December 22, 2014 | | D | | | [18] |
| December 30, 2014 | | D | | Signed with the club | [19] |
| January 6, 2015 | | F | | Signed with the club | [20] |
| January 25, 2015 | | M | | | [21] |
| January 25, 2015 | | M | | Re-signed with the club, after initially having his contract option declined | |
| January 27, 2015 | | GK | | Signed with the club | [22] |
| February 4, 2015 | | D | | | [23] [24] |
| March 24, 2015 | | M | | | [25] |
| April 13, 2015 | | F | | | [26] |
| June 26, 2015 | | D | | | [27] |
| July 27, 2015 | | F | | Acquired as a Designated Player after claiming him on waivers | [28] | |
Out
| Date | Player | Position | Destination club | Notes | Ref |
|---|
| October 25, 2014 | | M | None | Retired | [29] |
| November 18, 2014 | | D | | 2015 contract option was declined | |
| November 18, 2014 | | D | None | 2015 contract option was declined, subsequently retired on January 12, 2015 | [30] |
| November 18, 2014 | | D | None | 2015 contract option was declined | |
| November 18, 2014 | | D | None | 2015 contract option was declined | |
| November 18, 2014 | | D | None | 2015 contract option was declined, subsequently retired on February 4, 2015 | [31] |
| November 18, 2014 | | D | | | [32] |
| November 18, 2014 | | M | | | |
| November 18, 2014 | | F | | 2015 contract option was declined | |
| November 18, 2014 | | F | | 2015 contract option was declined | |
| November 18, 2014 | | F | | 2015 contract option was declined | |
| November 18, 2014 | | M | | Out of contract | |
| November 18, 2014 | | M | | Loan deal has expired | |
| November 18, 2014 | | M | | Loan deal has expired | |
| December 18, 2014 | | F | | | [33] [34] [35] |
| January 20, 2015 | | GK | | Traded in exchange for 2016 MLS SuperDraft third round pick | [36] |
| April 13, 2015 | | M | | | |
| June 9, 2015 | | M | | Loan deal not extended | [37] [38] |
| June 26, 2015 | | F | | | |
| August 4, 2015 | | F | None | The club and the player have mutually agreed to part ways | [39] |
| August 27, 2015 | | M | | Transferred | [40] | |
- Players selected in 2015 MLS SuperDraft, but ultimately not signed: midfielder Alex Shinsky (68th overall, fourth round, from University of Maryland)[41] [42]
- Trialists released in the preseason: goalkeeper Mark Pais,[43] defender Joachim de Wilde, defender Bryan Gaul (Open Tryout winner), defender Nick Miele,[44] defender Albert Edward,[45] midfielder Franck Songo'o, midfielder Alou Diarra,[46] defender Danny Gabbidon and forward Shahdon Winchester.[47]
Loans
Per Major League Soccer and club policies terms of the deals do not get disclosed.
Out
| Date | Player | Position | Loaned to | Notes | Ref |
|---|
| July 9, 2013 | | M | | Out on loan | [49] |
| March 20, 2015 | | D | | Out on loan with option to recall | [50] |
| March 30, 2015 | | GK | | Out on loan with option to recall | [51] |
| April 9, 2015 | | D | | Out on loan with option to recall | [52] |
| June 9, 2015 | | M | | Out on loan with option to recall | [53] | |
Standings
Results
Match results
Preseason
Kickoff times are in CST (UTC-06)
Simple Invitational
Major League Soccer
See main article: 2015 Major League Soccer season. Kickoff times are in CDT (UTC-05), unless posted otherwise
U.S. Open Cup
See main article: 2015 U.S. Open Cup. Kickoff times are in CDT (UTC-05)
Friendlies
Kickoff times are in CDT (UTC-05)
Leading scorers
Italics indicate player who departed the club during the season.
Updated to match played on October 25, 2015.
Source: MLSsoccer.com statistics - 2015 Chicago Fire
Appearances and goals
|-|colspan="14"|Players who left the club during the season: (Statistics shown are the appearances made and goals scored while at Chicago Fire)
Recognition
MLS Team of the Week
Team annual awards
Midfielder David Accam was named the Most Valuable Player, as well as was awarded the Golden Boot. In 23 matches this season Accam scored team-leading ten goals and added two assists.[54]
First-year defender Eric Gehrig was named the Defensive Player of the Year.
David Accam was chosen Section 8 Chicago Supporters' Player of the Year.[55]
Lovel Palmer's left-footed strike from over 30 yards in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 win over the Charlotte Independence was named the club's Goal of the Year.[56]
Kits
| Type | Shirt | Shorts | Socks | First appearance / Info |
|---|
| Home[57] [58] | Red / Navy | Red | Red | |
| Away[59] [60] | White | White | White | | |
Primary kit
According to the league's bi-annual rotation of kits the primary kit carried over from the previous season. It was originally unveiled on March 4, 2014. The jersey design was inspired by the City of Chicago fire trucks which feature a dark top, a band and red throughout the bottom half. The light blue represents the primary color of the Chicago flag.
Secondary kit
On March 2, 2015 Chicago Fire unveiled the club's new secondary kit. The design and details were inspired by the City of Chicago flag.
Draft pick trades
Picks acquired:
Picks traded:
Notes and References
- Web site: First Things Worst: Fire fall 2-1 to Earthquakes in first game at Avaya. hottimeinoldtown.com. March 22, 2015.
- News: Chicago Fire part ways with head coach Frank Yallop, announce Nelson Rodriguez as new club GM. mlssoccer.com. September 20, 2015. September 30, 2015. September 23, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150923060422/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/09/20/chicago-fire-part-ways-head-coach-frank-yallop-announce-nelson-rodriguez-new. dead.
- News: Chicago Fire dismiss coach Frank Yallop, hire Nelson Rodriguez as GM. espnfc.us. September 20, 2015.
- Web site: Ring of Fire. chicago-fire.com.
- News: Chicago Fire Host New England Revolution on Special Evening at Toyota Park. chicago-fire.com.
- Web site: Chicago Fire sign Valspar as new jersey sponsor. chicagobusiness.com. October 14, 2015.
- Web site: Bliss: Fire Should Hold Heads High Despite Season-Ending Loss to Red Bulls. chicago-fire.com. October 25, 2015.
- News: NEWS: Chicago Fire Re-sign Lovel Palmer. chicago-fire.com . October 29, 2014.
- Web site: Chicago Fire re-sign Patrick Nyarko and announce option decisions for 17 other players. mlssoccer.com. November 18, 2014. November 19, 2014. March 3, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215442/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/11/18/chicago-fire-re-sign-long-time-winger-patrick-nyarko-new-deal. dead.
- Web site: NEWS: Chicago Fire Sign Nigerian Forward Kennedy Igboananike. chicago-fire.com. December 2, 2014.
- Web site: Chicago Fire add 25-year-old Nigerian-born striker Kennedy Igboananike as Designated Player. December 2, 2014. mlssoccer.com. December 21, 2014. December 18, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141218155506/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/12/02/chicago-fire-add-nigerian-born-striker-kennedy-igboananike-dp. dead.
- Web site: Chicago Fire Sign Trinidad & Tobago Defender Joevin Jones. chicago-fire.com. December 3, 2014.
- Web site: Chicago Fire Sign Midfielder Michael Stephens. chicago-fire.com. December 9, 2014.
- Web site: Chicago Fire Acquire Right of First Refusal for Defender Eric Gehrig from Orlando City SC. chicago-fire.com. December 10, 2014.
- Web site: Chicago Fire Sign Defender Eric Gehrig. chicago-fire.com. December 16, 2014.
- Web site: Chicago Fire Sign Ghanaian Forward David Accam. chicago-fire.com. December 19, 2014.
- Web site: Chicago Fire continue to build 2015 attack with signing of new Designated Player David Accam. mlssoccer.com. December 19, 2014. December 21, 2014. December 26, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141226143813/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/12/19/chicago-fire-continue-build-2015-attack-signing-new-designated-player-david-. dead.
- Web site: Chicago Fire sign defender Patrick Doody as Homegrown Player. chicago-fire.com. December 22, 2014.
- Web site: Chicago Fire Sign Brazilian Center Back Adaílton. chicago-fire.com. December 30, 2014.
- Web site: Chicago Fire Sign Brazilian Forward Guly do Prado. chicago-fire.com. January 6, 2015.
- Web site: Chicago Fire Sign Shaun Maloney as a Designated Player. chicago-fire.com. January 25, 2015.
- Web site: Fire Announce Return of Goalkeeper Jon Busch. chicago-fire.com. January 27, 2015.
- Web site: Chicago Fire select Matt Polster, Kingsley Bryce in 2015 MLS SuperDraft. chicago-fire.com. January 15, 2015.
- Web site: Chicago Fire Sign Defender Matt Polster. chicago-fire.com. February 4, 2015.
- Web site: Chicago Fire Sign Kingsley Bryce. chicago-fire.com. March 24, 2015.
- Web site: Chicago Fire Acquire Forward Jason Johnson. chicago-fire.com. April 13, 2015.
- Web site: Chicago Fire trade Quincy Amarikwa to San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for Ty Harden. mlssoccer.com. June 26, 2015. June 26, 2015. June 27, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150627111939/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/06/26/chicago-fire-trade-quincy-amarikwa-san-jose-earthquakes-exchange-ty-harden. dead.
- Web site: Chicago Fire Acquire Brazilian Forward Gilberto as Designated Player. chicago-fire.com. July 27, 2015.
- Web site: Behind the Scenes of Logan Pause's final match for the Chicago Fire, #ThanksLogan. chicago-fire.com. October 28, 2014.
- Web site: MLS veteran, former Goal of the Year winner Patrick Ianni retires after nine seasons. mlssoccer.com. January 12, 2015. January 13, 2015. January 14, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150114080548/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/01/12/mls-veteran-former-goal-year-winner-patrick-ianni-retires-after-nine-seasons. dead.
- Web site: Longtime Chicago Fire defender Gonzalo Segares retires, joins club's academy staff. mlssoccer.com. February 4, 2015.
- Web site: San Jose Earthquakes, Houston Dynamo each grab two players in Stage 2 of Re-Entry Draft. mlssoccer.com. December 18, 2014.
- News: Chicago Fire Loan Juan Luis Anangono to LDU Quito. chicago-fire.com . 3 July 2014.
- Web site: Juan Luis Anangono Transferred to Universidad de Guadalajara. December 18, 2014. chicago-fire.com.
- Web site: Juan Luis Anangonó y Jonathan Gonzales nuevos jugadores de Leones Negros. December 12, 2014. leonesnegrosudg.mx. 2014-12-21. https://web.archive.org/web/20141221061614/http://leonesnegrosudg.mx/leones_ecuatorianos.html. 2014-12-21. dead.
- Web site: Chicago Fire Acquire 2016 MLS SuperDraft Pick from New York Red Bulls. January 20, 2015. chicago-fire.com.
- Web site: Chicago Fire Acquire Víctor Pérez. chicago-fire.com. March 27, 2015.
- Web site: Adiós, Víctor: Fire sever ties with Spanish midfielder Víctor Pérez. June 5, 2015.
- Web site: Chicago Fire and Guly do Prado Mutually Agree to Part Ways. chicago-fire.com. August 4, 2015.
- Web site: Chicago Fire Transfer Midfielder Shaun Maloney to Hull City A.F.C.. chicago-fire.com. August 27, 2015.
- Web site: 2015 MLS SuperDraft, Round 4. mlssoccer.com. 2015-01-20. 2015-01-21. https://web.archive.org/web/20150121060626/http://www.mlssoccer.com/superdraft/2015/tracker/round-4. dead.
- Web site: United Signs Vickers, Shinsky . March 24, 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150402162609/http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=209980912 . April 2, 2015 .
- Web site: Chicago Fire expect anticipated addition of goalkeeper Jon Busch to help aid Sean Johnson's development. January 26, 2015. mlssoccer.com. January 27, 2015. January 28, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150128115623/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/01/26/chicago-fire-expect-anticipated-addition-goalkeeper-jon-busch-help-aid-sean-. dead. "...while trialists Mark Pais (goalkeeper), Belgian defender Joachim de Wilde and former LA Galaxy defender Bryan Gaul began their quest for a permanent role with the club."
- Web site: Miele Invited to Preseason Camp With Chicago Fire of MLS. January 30, 2015. golobos.com. February 2, 2015. February 3, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150203020826/http://www.golobos.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=26000&ATCLID=209870216. dead.
- Web site: Chicago Fire Set Up Camp in Norwich. February 3, 2015. chicago-fire.com.
- Web site: Chicago Fire Defeat QPR, 1-0, to Close U.K. Travels. February 12, 2015. chicago-fire.com.
- Web site: Fire End Unbeaten Preseason with 1-1 Draw Against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. chicago-fire.com. February 28, 2015. Trialist Shahdon Winchester provides 90th-minute equalizer
- News: Chicago Fire Acquire Defender Daneil Cyrus. chicago-fire.com . August 6, 2015.
- News: Chicago Fire Loan Alvaro Fernandez to Club Nacional de Football. chicago-fire.com . 9 July 2013.
- News: Chicago Fire Soccer Club Loans Patrick Doody to Saint Louis FC. chicago-fire.com . March 20, 2015.
- News: Chicago Fire Soccer Club Loans Alec Kann to Saint Louis FC. chicago-fire.com . March 30, 2015.
- News: Schedule Changes, CCL Matches Alter Narrative When Fire Visit Montreal. chicago-fire.com . April 9, 2015. "...After training, Yallop informed media that defender Greg Cochrane had joined up with USL affiliate Saint Louis FC..."
- News: Chicago Fire Loans Collin Fernandez to Louisville City FC. chicago-fire.com . June 9, 2015.
- Web site: Chicago Fire Announce 2015 Team Award Winners. chicago-fire.com. October 28, 2015.
- Web site: David Accam is the 2015 Supporters' Player of the Year as chosen by #cf97 fans. November 1, 2015.
- Web site: 2015 ALDI CHICAGO FIRE GOAL OF THE YEAR. chicago-fire.com. November 9, 2015.
- Web site: RELEASE: Chicago Fire Soccer Club Unveils 2014 Primary Kit. chicago-fire.com. March 4, 2014.
- Web site: PHOTOS: Players Model Chicago Fire Primary Kit. chicago-fire.com. March 4, 2014.
- Web site: Jersey Week 2015: Chicago Fire honor club's home city with unveiling of new secondary jersey. mlssoccer.com. March 2, 2015. March 18, 2015. March 13, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150313062753/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/01/31/jersey-week-2015-chicago-fire-honor-home-city-unveiling-new-away-jersey-mls. dead.
- Web site: Chicago Fire Unveil Chicago-Inspired Secondary Kit. chicago-fire.com. March 2, 2015.
- Web site: New York Red Bulls acquire 'keeper Kyle Reynish from Chicago Fire in exchange for 2016 SuperDraft pick. mlssoccer.com. January 20, 2015. January 20, 2015. January 21, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150121060547/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/01/20/new-york-red-bulls-acquire-keeper-kyle-reynish-chicago-fire-exchange-2016-su. dead.
- Web site: TRADE: Chicago Fire Soccer Club Acquires Jhon Kennedy Hurtado and Patrick Ianni. January 15, 2014. chicago-fire.com.
- Web site: Chicago Fire Soccer Club Acquires Defender Greg Cochrane . chicago-fire.com. March 3, 2014.
