Ask Chris

As promised by Luis Arroyave, who writes for the Chicago Tribune and covers the Fire for the length of the year, here is the second half of my answers to the questions from his blog. To check out the first half of the Q and A and learn more about the Fire throughout the year, you can Google "red card blog" or just follow the link above to his blog.
How would you describe Denis' coaching style? Is he upfront and open with his players? Did you see any rising tension between Denis and Frankowski before Tomaz vented to the media? - Fumar
Denis is a mix of all three head coaches he assisted with the Fire. From this year alone, it seems as if he likes to give the players some space to think on their own and to allow us to figure out things amongst ourselves before he feels the need to intervene. He works hard and takes his job seriously.
I feel like Denis is approachable. Tomasz had a tough year with us, so from that alone, I figured he wasn’t happy with anyone in a decision-making position.
Would you ever think of playing overseas? Preferably for Hearts of Midlothian in
Playing overseas is something that could be an option throughout this year and into 2010. I would not close my door on any opportunities to continue to play this game.
Which of your teammates do you spend the most time with off the field? - Anonymous
I spend time with most of the players on the team that live in the city. This year, I’ve spent a lot of time with Stephen King, Nick Noble, Jon Busch and Justin Mapp
Best food...KU, Marycrest or VWK? I prefer none but if I had to choose, KU. - Mike
For those of you that didn’t go to UD, these are the dining halls on campus. I preferred KU my first year because it was the most convenient. VWK reminded me of soccer pre-season and that was the only time I’d eat there. Marycrest had a great candy section. After my first year, DiGiorno pizzas, pizza rolls, BW3’s, Milano’s and Papa John’s took priority.
Chris, You v. Luis, Wii Mario Kart,
I would lap Luis, and the only thing he’d hit me with would be a blue shell.
Hey Chris, can you vote for me for employee of the month.....talk to Charles, I think he voted for Owen last month.........have a great Christmas...Jimmy - Janitorjim
We have employees of the month!? I'll submit a "write-in" ballot.
Chris, have you been offered an extension by the FIRE/MLS yet and Have any teams overseas spoken about your services?!?
Who from this years UIC squad would you think could help the FIRE the most in the coming years?!?
Does McBride smell like Irish Spring?!? - DJ
My agent is usually in talks with MLS regarding new contracts, and he’s also been busy speaking to teams interested from overseas.
UIC had a good team this year with some talented players. From what I saw, I think that the goalie Jovan could be a player who could do well eventually. The CM, Baggio, is comfortable and confident on the ball. I would like to see Pat McMahon play some more, because I liked the way he approached the games that I saw.
1. How do you get mentally ready for a game? 2. Who is your best friend on the team? 3. Are you happy with the fires performance in 2008? 4. Do you have any plans to play overseas> - Aaron
1. I prepare for the game all week mentally, so when it’s game day, I try to stay loose and keep my mind off of the game until about 3 hours before the game. That's when I start getting focused by listening to music and going over the things that I’ve been working on all week.
2. I’m good friends with a lot of the players on the team.
3. I thought we showed how great of a team we had at some stretches, but we failed in the end. Of course, a top 3 finish in the league and a loss in the Conference final is something to be proud of.
4. It's something that is always a consideration.
Second off, would you mind staying with the Fire even in your prime (like DeRo or even Landon for alittle bit) or are you planning to go to
I like the beat… it could use a banjo or fiddle though.
That is something I’d have to consider at that time.
Question 1: Who is your agent? Why haven't you been loaned out in
I work with a company based in Los Angeles. I think loan deals are pretty hard to do, and we haven't gotten any interest to do that.
Where do you think the USMNT should play
Anywhere that’s cold.
What was your favorite goal this season? Is it the obvious one, or something no one's mentioned? Do you expect to get much more time with the National Team? What is your least-favorite team to play? - Patrickhattrick
My favorite goal this year was Daniel Woolard’s against NYRB at the end of the season. The guy has been a complete pro since he was drafted and he’s worked hard to get in the lineup. He got injured on a horrific tackle in a friendly and that was his first minute on the field since that mid-summer injury. He deserved it.
I have planned on playing with the National Team since I was 10, so I probably won’t stop planning on that anytime soon.
My least favorite team to play is our own reserve team, whom we play almost every week. Our reserves are the best in the league. They're always pushing us to make sure we're in form and working hard so they are ready to perform when they make it onto the game field.
It took me over a week to answer your questions - sorry for the wait. I'll take your comments and talk them over with my web designer. More than likely, we'll leave it the way it is since we've only gotten positive feedback about it. Thank Luis for this blog update.
1.What do you like most about the city of
1. The quality and variety of restaurants.
2. I feel like most teams are doing pretty well for themselves at this point, but because of the recession, the next few years may not be as profitable.
3. Unfortunately, I don’t have a favorite team, so I tend to support the teams who employ Americans. I'd like to see my friend Brad Guzan do well, so I'm behind Aston Villa at the moment.
A few years ago my friend told me he read you had done some sort of thing in
(i almost didn't ask this just because it's so random but after reading some of the other questions, i decided "what the heck?")
I think your friend got the better of you. I have never been to
Just curious here, what do most Fire players do during the off season? Go back home? Train? Find a job...(since 1/2 the team make min. wage)? - John L.
Most of the Fire players leave
Thanks for all the questions and interest! The winter must be tough without any GOOD soccer to watch, but at least those European leagues are still playing... Happy Holidays!




