[FM20] - Authority is not given to you to deny the Return of the King!

[SRL88]

Rich Stevens Career - March 2022 - Club Deportivo Palestino

Campeonato Nacional Scotiabank

Another solid month as we continue our positive start to the season.

We played our a really tough game with Universidad de Chile and scored either side of their goal, with the double coming from Jose Sierra as we fought our way to a 2-1 win. Despite dominating in our next game at home, we had to wait to find the three points. They came from a set-piece as a thumping header from Erick Millalen gave us another win. In our final game of the month, despite taking an early lead we weren't good at all. Right after half-time we conceded the equaliser, and in truth, we were pretty lucky to get away with a point.

Copa Libertadores Group Stage

A mixed start, but one I'm delighted with given our expectancies in the competition.

River Plate were the better team against us, but our defence was fantastic and we did have some good chances against them. Unfortunately, their pressure told and they found the winner in the final ten minutes. We bounced back though and put in a fantastic performance at home to Atletico Nacional as we brushed them aside 3-0. We absolutely dominated in the high altitude of Bolivia next, but couldn't make our chances count as we were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw.

 

Edited December 7, 2019 by SRL88

[SRL88]

Rich Stevens Career - April 2022 - Club Deportivo Palestino

Campeonato Nacional Scotiabank

Stunning and scintillating form as we sit 5pts clear at the top of the table.

We started the month with a dominating performance at home, but struggled to find the back of the net. It took until the 68th minute to break the deadlock and scoring just the one goal led to a nervy finish, but we held on for the win. We were excellent on the road against Cobreloa and put in a dominating display to come away 3-0 winners. The quality of our squad showed in our next game as we made a hatful of changes and still found ourselves dominating the game to get all three points.

A professional job followed at home to Curico as two second half goals gave us a comfortable win. Probably our biggest game of the season in the league came next as we faced second place Catolica to round out the month. It was a fairly even game and we led going into the break. We conceded fairly early in the second half, and despite both teams having decent chances to find a winner, we played out a draw.

Copa Libertadores Group Stage

I'm sitting here not complaining too much, but we've left ourselves in a tricky position.

Although it took until the second half to break the deadlock against Bolivar, we absolutely battered them and stormed our way to a very comfortable 3-0 win. The result that could decide the group for us followed though. Despite being outsiders, we were fantastic. We fell behind three times in the game, but fought back on two occasions, unfortunately we couldn't do so a third time and suffered a narrow defeat to leave qualification out of our hands.

We must beat River Plate at home in our final game, whilst hoping for struggling Bolivar to do us a favour also to stand a chance of qualifying. We do have the Sudamericana to fall back on however.

Edited December 7, 2019 by SRL88

[deltablue]

Good luck against River. 

[SRL88]

50 minutes ago, deltablue said:

Good luck against River. 

Cheers man. Going to be a tough game

[SRL88]

Rich Stevens Career - May 2022 - Club Deportivo Palestino

Campeonato Nacional Scotiabank

Not the prettiest of months, but a productive one as we remain clear at the top of the table.

Our final game of last month saw us face the team directly behind us in the league, and here we faced Everton, who were third when we played them. It wasn't the most vintage performance, especially in the first half in which we were extremely poor, but an improved second half saw us push for a leveller and we finally found it with twenty minutes remaining to claim a vital point. We did the work that needed to be done next at home to Huachipato with captain and centre half Enzo Guerrero scoring in each half to give us the win. Another average first half followed against Cobresal, but we improved again after the break and we saw two goals in just three minutes to turn the game completely around. A professional job followed to see the game out as we claimed the win.

Copa Libertadores Group Stage

 

A disappointing end to our Copa Libertadores campaign as we went out in poor fashion. Despite taking an early lead, we conceded almost instantly and that seemed to affect us as we were second best throughout. The result didn't matter either way as a win wouldn't have changed anything following the result elsewhere.

However, we still had the fall back...….

Copa Sudamericana Second Round

A stunning result against our Colombian counterparts as we make our way into the next round.

Despite being second best in both legs, we found a way to hang on for a goalless draw in the first leg, and despite facing an uphill task in the second, especially after going a goal down we did brilliantly to come back. A goal before half-time helped, and we took over in the final twenty minutes. Taking the lead in the 69th minute put us in firm control, and with them pushing for an equaliser we picked them off on the counter to seal our win.

We face another Colombian side in Jaguares in the Third Round.

[SRL88]

Rich Stevens Career - June 2022 - Club Deportivo Palestino

Campeonato Nacional Scotiabank

Just the one game due to the break in the league at the halfway stage....

Despite that, we did what we had to! A solid 2-0 win at home ensures that we go into the break 8pts clear.

Copa Chile MTS

Whatever the performance, we did exactly what the board asked for, which is reach the Quarter Final.

We introduced a new signing (see below) in David Escalante for the first leg and he didn't disappoint. He scored a hat-trick which gave us an important lead into the second leg. Despite leading 2-0 in that game we conceded two second half goals, but it wasn't to matter as we comfortably made our way into the next round. We were left frustrated in both legs of the Third Round against lower level opposition however. We made changed for both games, but we couldn't get going in either leg as we went all the way to penalties after two goalless draws. We managed to hold our nerve however.

We face another first leg at home in the Quarter-Final with a tie against fellow Scotiabank side, Cobresal.

Transfers - In

Jorge Faundez - £85k - We were lucky for much of the first half of the season as we only had four midfielders to fill three positions. We needed numbers desperately and we found that in a good option

Juan Carlos Gaete  - Loan - He's costing us £11k a month as part of his loan, but why he was allowed to go is beyond me! Brilliant option for us out wide

David Escalante - £93k - An experienced head we tried to bring in at the start of the season but couldn't complete. He started his time here fantastically with a hat-trick

Marcelo Arias - Loan - A young player we managed to bring in on loan. I want him on a permanent basis, but he could cost a lot. Definitely a prospect

Jaime Carreno - Loan - Transfer listed...why? He looks a great player who gives us more competition in the midfield when we were lacking depth

Elias Bacre - Free - His contract ended so we took advantage! A good looking prospect for the future

Transfers - Out

Not a lot to talk about. A couple of players leaving on loan, and we sold a young player I doubt would make the first team for £15k. Simple.

[SRL88]

Rich Stevens Career - July 2022 - Club Deportivo Palestino

Campeonato Nacional Scotiabank

Definitely not our best month, but we're still 5pts ahead of the pack.

We played out a fairly even game against Union with neither side being able to find the net as the game finished goalless. We lost just our second game of the season at home to Colo-Colo next, who also beat us on the opening day. We played fantastically and dominated the game going forward, but they were resolute and hit us twice on the counter to grab the win. The month rounded off with us getting back to winning ways as we swept past Coquimbo.

Copa Sudamericana Third Round

Two brilliant performances and results as we keep our brilliant run in continental competition going.

A very solid performance in the first leg gave us a two goal advantage to take to Colombia. There, an excellent first half saw us 3-1 up on the night with the tie effectively over. The second half was just about us managing the game and we did that well to seal our passage.

The Quarter-Final will see us face Brazilian side America Mineiro, who are struggling in 16th in Serie A.

Copa Chile MTS Quarter-Final

We weren't good in either tie, and neither were our opponents really as this one fizzled out all the way to penalties. We missed two spot kicks as we exited the competition.

 

Edited December 8, 2019 by SRL88

[B.W.G]

Looking good so far,hopefully you can keep your Copa Sudamericana run going.

[SRL88]

3 hours ago, B.W.G said:

Looking good so far,hopefully you can keep your Copa Sudamericana run going.

Thanks

I'm hopeful we can pull off an upset. Despite their league position, they are strong favourites

[SRL88]

Rich Stevens Career - August 2022 - Club Deportivo Palestino

Campeonato Nacional Scotiabank

A pretty tough month for us as we relinquished top spot in the league. 

The defeat on the road to open the month really hurt. The referee wasn't on our side and we received a shocking red card decision (which was later overturned) early on. We managed to hang on until stoppage time when a dubious penalty decision ended up gifting our opponents all three points. Let's just say that referee isn't on my Christmas card list! Another disappointing defeat followed which made it three from four, and the actual point we fell to second in the table. It was an average performance, but I was left deflated when we lost to another late goal. 

Finally get got back into some sort of form though when an inspired performance from Oscar Hernandez saw us get a much-needed 2-0 win. We travelled to a good Antofagasta side next, and despite expecting a tough game, we dominated things. That made the result harder to take because we had numerous good chances to win the game. The month rounded off with a 1-0 win against bottom of the table Cobreloa but we were far from convincing. It seemed a complacent performance and one which could have gone horrible wrong. 

Copa Sudamericana Quarter-Final

Unbelievable work as we continue this fairy tale run!

We were second best for large portions of the first leg in Brazil, and when they took the lead midway through the second half it wasn't all that surprising. We managed to keep the lead to one and in stoppage time we took advantage of a defensive mix-up to equalise and give us a vital away goal. The second leg was a very poor affair. Neither side had a shot on target until we broke the deadlock with just seven minutes remaining. The man who levelled things up in the first leg scored to give us the lead here. They pushed for a leveller but never looked like threatening, and that man again, David Escalante sealed the win in stoppage time.

We face the toughest draw possible in the Semi-Final, with a double header against Palmeiras.

[SRL88]

Rich Stevens Career - September 2022 - Club Deportivo Palestino

Campeonato Nacional Scotiabank

Not our best performances by any means, but we got the necessary results to keep the pressure on at the top.

We changed a lot of things due to the Sudamericana fixtures (see below) and that had a bit of an affect on our performances. The winning goal against Barnechea took a long time in coming, but our pressure finally told as we found the winning goal in the final minutes. We had to put a strong defensive performance in against Curico, especially after taking the lead early in the second half. The team was resilient though and we held on for all three points.

Copa Sudamericana Semi-Final

So the dream is over as we exit at the Semi-Final stage.

We lost to the better team over the two legs so I can't complain too much. We played well in the first leg, but had to come from behind twice, and those two away goals made things that bit more difficult for us in the second leg. In Brazil we were completely outclassed. We had a few chances, but not enough to effect our opponents. Eventually, losing by just two goals on the night flattered us as it could have been more.

[SRL88]

The latest crop of young players into the club:

Mauricio Rojas - AMC

Jaime Miguez - DC

Javier Kopriva - DM

Cristopher Araya - GK

Hector Martinez - AMC/MC

 

[SRL88]

Rich Stevens Career - October 2022 - Club Deportivo Palestino

Campeonato Nacional Scotiabank

A very disappointing end to the season as the title fizzled away, but the players evidently downed tools after that happened.

The game which turned out to be a title decider really saw us put in such a poor performance. Catolica absolutely dominated us despite us being the team that had to win. We defended well, but offered nothing going forward, and the 1-0 result ensured that a 6pt gap was too much for us to fight back from. Back-to-back draws followed, first up against Everton, but then disappointingly against struggling Huachipato where we had to come from a goal down to rescue a point. Our final home game of the season saw us grab a very comfortable 2-0 win, but the season finished with a goalless draw against another struggling side.

[SRL88]

Rich Stevens Career - Season Review - 2022 - Club Deportivo Palestino

Campeonato Nacional Scotiabank

Results 1 - Results 2

Competition Performance: 2nd

We matched last seasons performance, but given our form in the first half of the season it was a massive disappointment to miss out on the title. We set a relentless pace and were looking comfortable, but our form dipped after the summer break and it cost us. I think it was a mix of making too many signings during the summer window which affected the dynamics in the midfield, and there was also the fact that Catolica went on an insane run of winning 12 games in a row.

Copa Libertadores

Competition Performance: Knocked out in Group Stage

It was an achievement for us to be even be at this stage, and once there we were really competitive. The games against River Plate were too much of a step-up for us, but we played well in the others. Despite being knocked out, we fell into the Sudamericana.

Copa Sudamericana

Competition Peformance: Knocked out in Semi-Final

A fantastic performance from the side as we nearly went all the way to the final. We put in some brilliant performances and got some brilliant results, but Palmeiras turned out to be a step too far.

Copa Chile MTS

Competition Performance: Knocked out in Quarter-Final

I just used the competition as an excuse to rest players. We weren't brilliant in any performance, but we achieved what the board asked of us.

Squad

The club has a really good squad at the moment. Granted, there are a few loans so they will need to be replaced, but the team is ultimately better than the one when we first joined.

Finances - Transfers

The clubs finances are fantastic. When we joined they were around £1m, so to see them where we are is a huge plus.

A lot of transfers on both sides of the board as we look to overhaul the club more than anything.

My Top 3 Players

Oscar Hernandez - Easily the best player at the club. The competition isn't even close. Signed a new contract during the season to tie him down for the foreseeable future

David Escalante - A superb bit of business during the summer window. He helped our forward line massively and scored some really important goals, especially in continental competitions

Enzo Guerrero - Our captain once again. His performances are never amazing, it's just how much we need his leadership and how much he is missed when not playing

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Season  | Team           | Country    | Division        | League Position | Notes                                      |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2019    | Santa Cruz FC  | Brazil     | Serie C         | 5th             | Joined in June, Copa Do Nordeste Winners   | 
| 2020    | Santa Cruz FC  | Brazil     | Serie C         | 1st - Champions | Permanbuco State Runners-Up                |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2021    | Palestino      | Chile      | Nac. Scotiabank | 2nd             | Copa Lib. Qualification                    |
| 2022    | Palestino      | Chile      | Nac. Scotiabank | 2nd             | Copa Lib. Qualification, Sudamericana SF   |

Next Season

I'm happy here, extremely happy, but my contract is up and the board refuse to give me a wage rise and I won't sign a deal without one, so we're at a bit of a standstill. Unless they offer a wage rise, I will be leaving.

[SRL88]

Former Club Watch

Santa Cruz FC

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Season  | Country    | Division          | League Position | Notes                            |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2021    | Brazil     | Serie B           | 19th            | Relegated, Pernambuco State RU   | 
| 2022    | Brazil     | Serie C - Group A | 1st - Champions | Promoted, Pernambuco State RU    |

Fantastic work to regain promotion to Serie B. They ended the season as overall champions which was great work as well.

[SRL88]

So, the contract situation didn't get any better, and after throwing around a few applications, wow....this is a step-up!

----------

Quote

Upon returning home to America for the first time since stepping into management, Rich Stevens shared his thoughts on taking up the Chicago Fire post. "I am absolutely thrilled to be given such an amazing opportunity. I've had an excellent time of things over the last few years, and for Chicago to give me a chance to work in the MLS is something I find incredibly humbling".

Of course, Stevens who spent his playing career in America will be familiar with the MLS system, and also moves closer to where he grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. "I feel like I've landed on my feet here. I am of course disappointed to have ended the fantastic time I had in Chile, and I would like to thank the fans of Palestino for their support throughout my time there. Unfortunately, the board and I couldn't come to an agreement on a new contract, so I had to look for opportunities elsewhere and Chicago have given me an amazing chance to return home and build something special here".

 

[SRL88]

 

Rich Stevens Career - New Club - Chicago Fire

What an unbelievable opportunity and step-up! In comparison to managing in Chile, this is huge. The MLS is massive compared to where we've been so far, so this is something of a challenge. I'm excited, but daunted because I really don't understand the MLS system with it's whole designated players thing, so it'll take some getting used to. 

Name: Chicago Fire Soccer Club

Nickname: - 

Founded: 1997

Stadium: Soldier Field (62,871 - 61-500 seated)

[wynter]

This'll be fun, as someone with also no idea how the MLS works it'll be a great read to watch you get a handle on it as well haha

 

[B.W.G]

Looks like the contract situation in Chile paved the way for you to further yourself.Best of luck with Chicago

[SRL88]

7 hours ago, wynter said:

This'll be fun, as someone with also no idea how the MLS works it'll be a great read to watch you get a handle on it as well haha

 

I understand the league system itself with the play-offs, but the whole designated player thing etc, I'm clueless....so I'll be learning on the job 

37 minutes ago, B.W.G said:

Looks like the contract situation in Chile paved the way for you to further yourself.Best of luck with Chicago

Definitely a huge step-up. The board don't have any expectations it seems for this coming season, so we should be able to ease ourselves into things. 

[SRL88]

Quote

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. My name is Dean Ashton here at Fox Sports. Welcome to the 2022 MLS Waiver Draft. Tonight, the rules are simple! There are two rounds. Players who's contracts have been waived by their current teams have the opportunity to be drafted by a new organisation. From their, they have till the end of December to negotiate a new contract with that team or be released. Let's get started".

Quote

"After a poor season we have the Chicago Fire selecting third overall. There have been rumours regarding who they'd like to select....and the pick is in. Third overall, the Chicago Fire select".....

Romario Ibarra. Colombian left midfielder, previously with Minnesota United FC

Quote

"Here we are in the second round, and after selecting Romario Ibarra we are here to find out who the Chicago Fire will take with their second pick in this Waiver Draft".....

Andrew Carleton. American wide midfielder, formely of Atalanta United

Quote

"So Chicago have definitely identified an area of weakness in their squad and have selected two wide midfielders to fill a need. They now have till the end of the month to negotiate new contracts. We will see you all soon for the next stage of the Waiver Draft, as we continue to countdown to the MLS Superdraft".

 

Edited December 11, 2019 by SRL88

[SRL88]

Quote

"So we welcome you back to the next stage of the Waiver Draft (I'm seriously confused), and let's check in to see if the Chicago Fire have opted to pick anyone at this stage"....

Adrian Zendejas, an American goalkeeper who last played for the Portland Timbers

Quote

"And Chicago have made another selection here in the second round".....

Kortne Ford, centre half, previously with the Seattle Sounders

Quote

"It appears that the Chicago Fire have opted to sit out the final round of picks, but also the next stage of selections also, meaning that's it for them in the MLS Waiver Draft. We now continue forward as we head towards the MLS Superdraft next month".

 

[john1]

Good luck with Chicago FIre  

[SRL88]

53 minutes ago, john1 said:

Good luck with Chicago FIre  

Thanks man...I think we could use all the luck we can get 

Edited December 11, 2019 by SRL88

[SRL88]

Rich Stevens Career - Season Preview - 2023 - Chicago Fire

Board Expectations:

MLS: Avoid Finishing Bottom of the League

US Open Cup: Reach Quarter-Final

 

My Expectations:

MLS: If we are truly expected to be fighting this low down in the league, then hopefully we can do just as the board wishes

US Open Cup: Not exactly a priority of mine, but if we can make it to the latter stages then I'll be pleased

 

Budgets:

Transfer: £144,223

Wage: £211,760 p/w (currently spending 130,600 p/w)

Balance: -£4,641,282 

 

Edited December 11, 2019 by SRL88

[SRL88]

2023 MLS Superdraft

Quote

"Good evening everyone, and to the 2023 MLS Superdraft. I am the Commissioner, Don Garber. Tonight is a monumental night for our young players, our teams, and for you, the fans! Tonight is the night where dreams come true. It sounds like you're ready! Are you ready? The 2023 MLS Superdraft is officially open....the Chicago Fire are now on the clock".

Quote

"So....following a number of trades over the last couple of seasons, the Chicago Fire find themselves with the number one overall pick. Not just that, but they also have their own pick, number three overall, as well as the 5th, 9th, 10th, 17th, 23rd and 24th overall picks. That's a massive eight picks in the first round alone for new Manager Rich Stevens to work with. They're in a fantastic position having stockpiled picks to really improve the future of this club".

----------------------------------

1)   With the first pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, Chicago Fire select, Fabian Puc, defender, Santa Cruz Breakers

2)   With the second pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, Nashville SC select, Omar Galvan, defender, Lane United

3)     With the third pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, Chicago Fire select, Tim Kranke, winger, Tri-Cities

4)     With the fourth pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, Real Salt Lake select, Tim Fink, midfielder, Seattle U-23

5)     With the fifth pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, Chicago Fire select, Daniel Richardson, midfielder, Western Mass Pioneers

6)       With the sixth pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, Atlanta United select, Ricky Garza, forward, Evergreen FC

7)     Real Salt Lake have traded the seventh pick to LA Galaxy, and with the seventh pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, LA Galaxy select Paul Eck, defender, Tri-Cities

8)       With the eighth pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, Inter Miami select, Matty Hudson, winger, Des Moines Menace

9)     With the ninth pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, Chicago Fire select, Austin Camacho, striker, Des Moines Menace

10)   With the tenth pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, Chicago Fire select, Michael Ford, midfielder, Portland Phoenix 

11)   With the eleventh pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, Montreal Impact select, Sam Cabezas, defender, Texas United

12)     With the twelfth pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, Portland Timbers select, Brendan Donner, defender, FA Euro

13)   With the thirteenth pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, Columbus Crew select, Drew Ortiz, winger, WSA Winnipeg

14)   San Jose Earthquakes have traded the fourteenth pick to New England Revolution, and with the fourteenth pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, New England Revolution select, Daniel Melendez, goalkeeper, Lehigh Valley

15)   Nashville SC have traded the fifteenth pick to New England Revolution, and with the fifteenth pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, New England Revolution select, Michael Miller, defender, Portland Phoenix

16)         Real Salt Lake have traded the sixteenth pick to Sporting Kansas City, and with the sixteenth pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, Sporting Kansas City select, Tony Bennett, winger, St. Louis Lions

17)     With the seventeenth pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, Chicago Fire select, Jon Miller, winger, Ogden City

18)    With the eighteenth pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, New England Revolution select, Jared Oliver, winger, Western Mass Pioneers

19)      With the nineteenth pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, Montreal Impact select, Tom Willock, forward, Miami City

20)     Minnesota United have traded the twentieth pick to New England Revolution, and with the twentieth pick, New England Revolution select, Simon Brown, midfielder, FA Euro

21)     Real Salt Lake have traded the twenty first pick to New England Revolution, and with the twenty first pick, New England Revolution select, Luc Lopez, winger, Ventura County

22)     With the twenty second pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, Minnesota United select, Tim Pelayo, striker, Michigan Bucks

23)       With the twenty third pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, Chicago Fire select, Marco Antonio Ochoa, defender, Tobacco Road

24)      With the twenty fourth pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, Chicago Fire select, Tom Richardson, forward, AC Connecticut

25)         With the twenty fifth pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, Atlanta United select, Carl Cantu, winger, Texas United

26)           With the twenty sixth pick in the 2023 MLS Superdraft, Vancouver Whitecaps select, Jacob Anderson, winger, WSA Winnipeg

Quote

"To all our fans who turned out here tonight, thank you! Thank you for supporting our players, thank you for supporting our future, and thank you for supporting our clubs. We will see you all tomorrow for the remainder of the MLS Superdraft".

 

Edited December 11, 2019 by SRL88

[SRL88]

2023 MLS Superdraft

Round 2-4

Quote

"Following night one of the MLS Superdraft, we managed to grab a conversation with Chicago Fire manager Rich Stevens. "I am absolutely thrilled with the work we managed to do in the first round of the draft. We had many offers to trade away our picks, but given I've just taken charge of the club, I felt it beneficial to use them all to the benefit of Chicago. I wanted to bring in players who would benefit the future of this team and I believe we have done this successfully so far".

Our Remaining Picks

Round 4 - 81st Overall Pick - Rob Rittmeyer, defender, Boston Bolts

Round 4 - 97th Overall Pick - Brad Short, forward, Evergreen FC

Round 4 - 99th Overall Pick - Nick Miller, goalkeeper, Houston FC

 

[SRL88]

Rich Stevens Career - Pre-Season - 2023 - Chicago Fire

Friendlies

Not the best of pre-seasons, but my focus was elsewhere given the faff that is the MLS, drafts, salary caps etc etc, so I just allowed my assistant to do the work here. A few wins, couple of draws and a defeat. Some highs, some lows.

Transfers - In

Luis Alberto Rios - Free - He'll be our back-up goalkeeper. I was looking back to Palestino to bring Anderson over to America with me, but, salary cap

Toro - Free - A really good free transfer. He has the skills in all the right areas and could be a very important player for us

Sepp van den Berg - Loan - Brilliant work from the club to get this deal done. I was delighted that Liverpool allowed him to come here because he's a real talent

Transfers - Out - Trades

A lot of players left the club on loan, which is beneficial to both us and them. It saves them sitting in our squad and they get some experience elsewhere. I haven't yet managed to get others out on loan that I would like, so hopefully we can do that in the coming weeks. A few players left on permanent deals, the biggest of which was experienced defender Marcelo going back to Brazil.

We also made a few trades to get rid of players who weren't attracting interest. Gets them off our wage bill at least.

[Gum]

The amount of detail you've put into the draft posts are incredibly good. MLS saves are rare on this forum and as someone who's had a save in the league every FM since FM16, I can say that you're barely struggling at all compared to how I've seen others handle the league and its complex but unique rules. You should ask the board for a USL B team to give your young/fringe players more game time, they rarely say no from my experience and the players in your B team don't count against the salary cap. Good luck!

[SRL88]

On 13/12/2019 at 07:15, Gum said:

The amount of detail you've put into the draft posts are incredibly good. MLS saves are rare on this forum and as someone who's had a save in the league every FM since FM16, I can say that you're barely struggling at all compared to how I've seen others handle the league and its complex but unique rules. You should ask the board for a USL B team to give your young/fringe players more game time, they rarely say no from my experience and the players in your B team don't count against the salary cap. Good luck!

Thanks man  appreciate it.

The rules and squad registrations are definitely the most frustrating thing, just because there are so many in regards to the squad salary, international players etc etc. I'm starting to get my head round it though. I have a second team that the board offered to me so I'll be taking full advantage of it.

Thanks for the advice.

[SRL88]

Rich Stevens Career - March 2023 - Chicago Fire

MLS Eastern Conference

Four games into our tenure in Chicago and undefeated. Definitely can't complain about that.

We got the season off to a fantastic start as we travelled to Orlando. Despite being outsiders, we put in a great shift and two first-half goals were well deserved. The second half was just about doing the job of seeing the game through. We followed that up with another win at home to Minnesota with Alvaro Medran stealing the show. An early penalty and a thunderous volley on the brink of half-time gave us a two goal lead. Despite conceding in the second half we managed to hold on and pick up our second win on the bounce. 

Following that it was games against the two LA clubs. The first we were second best for large portions of the game against LAFC. Our defence stood strong though we held on for a hard-earned point. Then a thrilling game against LA Galaxy followed. We flew out the traps and found ourselves two goals up in just eleven minutes. Galaxy responded though with two fantastic free-kicks to send us into the break level. They added a third early in the second half but we battled back to find an equaliser to grab a point.

In transfer news, we managed to bring in Anderson from Palestino. That makes it the third time I have managed him having played for me in Brazil as well.

[deltablue]

Wait a minute, LA Galaxy in the 'Eastern' conference?

[SRL88]

8 hours ago, deltablue said:

Wait a minute, LA Galaxy in the 'Eastern' conference?

Nah. Western. We just play teams from both

[deltablue]

55 minutes ago, SRL88 said:

Nah. Western. We just play teams from both

Oh yes, somehow I forgot that point

[SRL88]

28 minutes ago, deltablue said:

Oh yes, somehow I forgot that point

Mate, this league confuses the crap out of me so you aren't the only one forgetting and learning 

[SRL88]

Rich Stevens Career - April 2023 - Chicago Fire

MLS Eastern Conference

A hectic month that didn't feel like it was going to end, and despite mixed results, I at least feel like we're in a solid position.

The month started with a really solid win over Nashville. An early goal set us on our way, then two quick-fire second half goals gave us the win. We then went into a frustrating period for me personally. Outsiders against Toronto we held them to just one goal and in the final ten minutes we levelled to rescue a point. A trip to New York followed and despite taking a late lead, we conceded twice in the stoppage time for a really annoying defeat. We grabbed another late goal to benefit us, this time at home Montreal as we managed to scrape a draw at home.

From there we improved however, and although a single goal win over struggling Cincinnati wasn't the desired result, it got us back to winning ways and we followed that up with a brilliant display against Atlanta! After an even first half we picked things up, and an early goal after the interval helped, which we doubled later in the half to give us a brilliant win. Frustratingly, we played back-to-back games against NYRB with both games finishing in draws. 

[SRL88]

Rich Stevens Career - May 2023 - Chicago Fire

MLS Eastern Conference

Not the most thrilling month, but we got out of it unbeaten and see ourselves sitting solidly in the league.

The month started with a tough trip to Philadelphia as we were second best for large portions of the game. We conceded on the half hour mark but equalised fairly quickly. Although we had chances, Philadelphia had the better of the game and late on we were on the back-foot, but held on for a point. Our only win of the month came at home to Orlando as a late goal from Austin Camacho, his first of the season saw us do the double over them. I was really disappointed with a draw at Columbus. Against a team struggling in the league I thought we'd go there and win but it wasn't the case as we were held to a goalless draw. We rounded out the month with an even game against Real Salt Lake where neither team really deserved the win, but with them scoring in the 85th minute I thought we'd lost it. Fortunately we showed our fighting spirit once again to grab an equaliser late on.

Edited December 17, 2019 by SRL88

[SRL88]

Rich Stevens Career - June 2023 - Chicago Fire

MLS Eastern Conference

It might not look the best, and it was a little up and down, but I'm really pleased with our return this month.

The performance against DC United was much better than the result suggested, especially in the first half. We played really well and had some excellent chances, but a misplaced back-pass on the brink of half-time changed the game. The second half was a little more one-sided and eventually they broke down our back-line to add a second, with the third sealing their win. We bounced back though with an excellent win in the north-west. A very controlled performance saw us score twice in the first half and do a professional job in the second to grab an important win.

Travelling to Kansas City we played a really good team, but limited their chances until the final ten minutes. A world-class strike saw them take the lead, but like in May, our fighting spirit shone through again as we scored a late equaliser to grab a point. An excellent game rounded off the month as we grabbed another three points. We got off to a great start, finding ourselves two goals up inside twenty-five minutes. We conceded late in the first half, but on the hour added a third. A late goal from Colorado meant for a nervy few minutes, but we held on for the win.

US Open Cup Fourth & Fifth Rounds

 

Given that we rotated our side massively to subside for these games I'm really pleased with the results.

We controlled the entire game against Tampa Bay, and even saw our goalkeeper Anderson score a penalty close to half-time to give us the lead. We switched off late in the game though to concede as we had to go to extra-time. Once there we stepped things up a gear to find a winner. A home game against Columbus Crew followed and two goals in the final fifteen minutes, including an unbelievable 40-yard volley from Shaun Reitsma gave us a good win.

We face a tough trip to New York now in the Quarter-Final, having met board expectations in the competition.

[B.W.G]

Looking good so far,nice to see you're having a decent cup run in the MLS and hopefully it can continue.

[SRL88]

28 minutes ago, B.W.G said:

Looking good so far,nice to see you're having a decent cup run in the MLS and hopefully it can continue.

We aren't doing bad. Too many draws for my liking, but at least we aren't losing. I'm hoping we can go a little further in the cup too. 

[SRL88]

This came as a welcome surprise! Definitely an honour to be selected in my first season managing in the country. 

[SRL88]

Rich Stevens Career - July & August 2023 - Chicago Fire

MLS Eastern Conference

A busy set of fixtures, especially in July as defence went completely out of the window!

A quite incredible game kicked the month off against New England Revolution, as we flew out the traps and after 33 minutes found ourselves three goals up. Somehow though, we went in level at the break as we completely switched off. Despite taking the lead again in the second half we were pegged back, but in the final ten minutes we scored a fifth and managed to hang on this time for all three points. The next two games were more of the same! Flying out the traps in both games we found ourselves two, and three goals ahead in each game. What was worse is that we went in at the break 2-0 up, and 3-0 up. Whether it be complacency, concentration, or both, we were shocking after the break and I found myself being extremely frustrated at taking just two points from those two games.

We drew our next game, but at least we were switched on defensively this time as the return tie against New England finished goalless. We took an early lead against Inter Miami, which we held onto until the final two minutes when our frailties showed once more, conceding twice in the remaining time to fall to just our third defeat of the season. Nearly a full month break followed until we played Toronto, but a much-improved performance saw us comfortably run out 2-0 winners.

US Open Cup Quarter & Semi-Final

Ties against the two New York sides, but we eventually exited the competition.

Many changes were made for the NYCFC game given it's placement in our schedule, but we played really well. We fell behind early but fought back well to level just after twenty minutes. From there we controlled most of the game, but couldn't find a winner. Extra-time passed by uneventfully, and we managed to win on penalties. A home tie against Red Bulls in the Semi's gave us an excellent chance of making the final, but scoring late in the first half and taking that into the interval, we didn't compete in the second half. Eventually they picked us off twice and deserved their win.

[SRL88]

Rich Stevens Career - September & October 2023 - Chicago Fire

MLS Eastern Conference

It felt like a massively up and down month, but the end results show....

We started with a fairly straight-forward win over NYCFC, where, despite falling behind we were fantastic. Two goals either side of half-time saw us overturn a one-goal deficit to win the game. A disappointing defeat against Atlanta followed, before we turned back to winning ways against Montreal. A really disappointing defeat to Dallas followed before we finished our season on track. A brilliant first half performance against Inter Miami saw us two goals up at the half....and despite a shocking second half display we held on for the win. A fairly comprehensive win away to Cincinnati followed before a poor performance gave us three points at home to Columbus Crew on the final day to win the Eastern Conference.

Edited December 19, 2019 by SRL88

[SRL88]

So when we won our penultimate game of the season at Cincinnati, we set a new record for points tally.

Then victory on the final day not only saw us add to our points haul, top the Eastern Conference, but also win the Supporters Shield too as we head into the Play-Offs as the number 1 seed.

[SRL88]

Western Conference                                                                                                        -                                                                                                           Eastern Conference

 First Round

                                                                                                                                                    

 Semi-Final

                                                                                                                                                       

 Final

                                                                                                                                                         

 

Unbelievable work to make the MLC Cup Final. Winners of the Eastern Conference overall, what a superb season by the players so far. Not since 2003 has the club appeared in an MLS Cup Final. We now play Sporting Kansas City at home to be crowned champions.

Edited December 19, 2019 by SRL88

[SRL88]

Final

The Match

Fantastic, fantastic work! Absolutely stunning from the players as we end the season as Champions!

We got off to a stunning start, taking the lead in the third minute and that settled us much quicker than our opponents. Kansas City started to come into the game and ended the first half the stronger side but didn't trouble us too much as we went in at the break a goal up. The second half was fairly end-to-end and Kansas City had some very good chances to level things up. We weathered a bit of a storm but a defensive mistake from our opponents allowed Austin Camacho to double our lead and put us in a commanding position with little time remaining. A late penalty was added as we sealed the victory.

[SRL88]

The excellent messages following our win.

[SRL88]

Rich Stevens Career - Season Review - 2023 - Chicago Fire

MLS - MLS Cup

Results 1 - Results 2

Competition Performance: Champions

Our first season and we're champions! Unbelievable season. We were solid throughout pretty much the whole season, losing just five games. We always occupied a Play-Off spot and never looked in trouble of falling out of them but always looked like we were too far off top spot, especially being the draw specialists that we were. Results seemed to come together from us and our closest rivals though late on and we managed to top the conference on the final day. 

We were excellent in the MLS Cup as fought our way to the Final with home field advantage, and then won the whole thing with a comprehensive win over Sporting Kansas City.

US Open Cup

Competition Performance: Knocked out in Semi-Finals

We had a good run in the competition with fringe players really stepping up. The board wanted us to reach the Quarter-Final and we went one better, but I was disappointed to fall at the final hurdle before the final.

Squad

The squad was excellent. They really outperformed what was expected of them. We have some fantastic players here, but the depth behind what I consider my first eleven is a little questionable.

Finances - Transfers

The finances are looking really good considering where they were at the start of the season. We were nearly £5m in the red, so to see us in the black is really nice.

A lot of transfers, but mainly due to the draft. We didn't actually sign a lot of players, but moved a few out of the club thanks to trades. The one big-money transfer helped our finances out.

My Top 3 Players

Alvaro Medran - The man who pulled all the strings in the middle of the park. We were much worse off without him

Sepp van den Berg - An inspired loan signing! He was outstanding and obvious first-choice centre half. He was the standout performer at the back

Austin Camacho - We brought him in during the draft, and it took him a while to get going, but once he got that first goal he was off. Turned out to be our top scorer despite not scoring until June. Brilliant player! 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Season  | Team           | Country    | Division        | League Position | Notes                                         |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2019    | Santa Cruz FC  | Brazil     | Serie C         | 5th             | Joined in June, Copa Do Nordeste Winners      | 
| 2020    | Santa Cruz FC  | Brazil     | Serie C         | 1st - Champions | Permanbuco State Runners-Up                   |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2021    | Palestino      | Chile      | Nac. Scotiabank | 2nd             | Copa Lib. Qualification                       |
| 2022    | Palestino      | Chile      | Nac. Scotiabank | 2nd             | Copa Lib. Qualification, Sudamericana SF      |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2023    | Chicago Fire   | USA        | MLS             | 1st             | MLS Cup, Eastern Conf., Supp. Shield Winners  | 

Next Season

Well we couldn't have asked for a better first season, so topping it is going to be incredibly tough. We should have the CONCACAF Champions League to deal with now too so we have to compete on extra fronts, so that should be fun. 

We've also signed a new contract, which will keep us at the club for an extra year.

[SRL88]

Former Club Watch

Santa Cruz FC

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Season  | Country    | Division          | League Position | Notes                            |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2021    | Brazil     | Serie B           | 19th            | Relegated, Pernambuco State RU   | 
| 2022    | Brazil     | Serie C - Group A | 1st - Champions | Promoted, Pernambuco State RU    |
| 2023    | Brazil     | Serie B           | 8th             | -                                |

A brilliant season back at this level for them. Their challenge was to stay away from relegation and they did just that. 

 

Club Deportivo Palestino

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Season  | Country    | Division          | League Position | Notes                            |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2023    | Chile      | Nac. Scotiabank   | 13th            | Copa Chile Runners-Up            |

A terrible, terrible season for them! After back-to-back seasons under me finishing second, they had to rely on a final day win to avoid relegation. A poor effort in the Copa Libertadores saw them exit at the group stage, with the only bright spot being their run in the Copa Chile. 

Edited December 19, 2019 by SRL88

[SRL88]

The latest crop of youngsters. Not a bad bunch actually. We'll sign everyone who has a two and a half *+ potential, and due to the way the MLS works, we'll loan them straight back to the academy for the season.

Chris Chia-Allen

Kenneth King

Alex Carey

Ryan Gardner

Greg Dobrowolski

Michael Sessengnon

Michael LaRoche