What was different between Chicago Fire's inaugural year and RSL's inaugural year?

[AreliusII]

Before the start of RSL's inaugural season, Dave Checkett's hired Steve Pastorino as GM. Many comparisons were made between Chicago Fire and how they won the Cup in their inaugural year, etc. Many comments were made about the possibility of Pastorino duplicating at RSL what Chicago was able to do in their first year.

What went wrong? How was RSL's inaugural year different from Chicago's?

[SoccerPrime]

What went wrong?
1998 expansion rules vs. 2005 expansion rules.

MLS teams no longer have to give up players like Nowak and Waldo to expansion teams.
You did see the player list on the "expansion pool" right?

[noxum]

Other possible things. The talent level has actually increased. Too many veterans on the team. Meaning, too many players playing like they didn't have to earn a position not only with the team, but the league. Veterans definitely weren't the only ones, and there were plenty of times where it seemed as though the players of RSL didn't play like their jobs depended on it.

[AreliusII]

At the beginning of this season, the pundits were talking about how Coach E. has assembled an impressive combination of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming talent. However, Coach E. was unable to capitalize on such latent potential.

Did the difference between Chicago and RSL's results lie in the coach?

[noxum]

Originally Posted by AreliusII

Did the difference between Chicago and RSL's results lie in the coach?

Perhaps he was depending to much on the veterans being the leaders and shaping the "on field" team.

[noxum]

"I want as many soccer fans as possible to get GolTV. It's a soccer education to watch the best club teams in the top leagues play. Once they've seen what it's like in those leagues, newer fans begin to "get it" about soccer--the global game, intensity, continuous action, incredible athletes, passion." -- Something I wish I had said.

I agree with this comment, especially "passion". Last night I was watching the highlights of the games on mlsnet.com (Pretty cool, by the way), and I was watching the earthquakes match. When Dallas had that free kick from the right side 18ish, it just barely missed the mark. But the thing that actually caught my eye was DeResario's reaction (sp). As the ball was headed towards the goal, you could see him jumping anxiously, you know, like he actually cared if it went in. It reminded me of the times in HS when I had that ignorant passion for the game and my buddies and I said we would play professional ball for $10/game. DeResario seems to have the passion that the league in genereal is missing. RSL players need to stop tryin to sell the game and just play it and remember that it's not about them, its about the game, the fans, and creating a league worthy of traditions.

[Deuce]

I think that MLS is a more competitive league since 1998.
in 1998 the players were a dime a dozen and most teams had the pick of the litter.
Now the best players are already playing for an MLS team or in Europe.
It is just not the same now as it was then.

[prk166]

I think the question is wrong. It should be about what Chicago was able to do that other expansion teams weren't. And I don't mean just in the MLS. When you look around, you can see that expansion teams in general don't do well, let alone win in the playoffs and go all the way.

That and RSL needs more Polacks.

[Stucki]

Originally Posted by prk166

I think the question is wrong. It should be about what Chicago was able to do that other expansion teams weren't. And I don't mean just in the MLS. When you look around, you can see that expansion teams in general don't do well, let alone win in the playoffs and go all the way.

That and RSL needs more Polacks.

The Fire did strike a Polish gold mine that really set the tone for that team.

[noxum]

so you're saying we need a foriegn crew to be successful? I don't necessarily have an issue with that. Just wonderin'