The Chicago Fire have terminated their contract with head coach Frank Yallop, according to team's official website. Chicago failed to qualify for the playoffs and struggled to produce goals and bring in high-profile players. The Fire have appointed Brian Bliss as interim coach for the season's remaining matches.
Following a disappointing 1-0 loss to Orlando City SC, the Fire announced that Yallop, along with assistant coaches Clint Mathis and Marc Bircham, were all fired, according to MLSSoccer.com. Chicago sits dead last in the Eastern Conference standings and was eliminated from playoff contention after its home loss to Orlando.
It's been multiple years since the Fire carried a serious threat in MLS, and this season was another disappointing one. Chicago has conceded 46 goals this season and has won only seven of its 29 matches. Numbers like that are a quick way for a coach to start looking for new employment.
Yallop will find more work around MLS, but in what capacity has yet to be determined. It is sad to see an accomplished coach lose his job, however that is the nature of the beast in the soccer world. Yallop had two seasons with the club and could not bring it back to the playoffs and only won 10 regular season games over two seasons.
Chicago hopes to capture at least one more victory before its season closes next month. It would not surprise many if some big players like Harry Shipp, David Accam or Sean Johnson move away from the club in search of a true chance at an MLS Cup title.
