Peter Wilt

Interview: Peter Wilt

GM Chicago Fire

October 27, 2004

The Chicago Fire had a very difficult year. The team lost Demarcus Beasley and Carlos Bocanegra to the European Transfer Market and battled through various injuires to starters and ultimately missed the play-off for the first time in team history. I wanted to Peter Wilt's take on the season and more importantly it's future. Check it out:

SoccerLoop: You sent a letter out to your fans on the website stating that you felt you and the team let them down. Did you feel compelled to write that after missing the play-offs? What was your reasoning?

Peter Wilt: Yes. I knew we didn't meet their expectations and as supporters of the team they had every right to know why we didn't and what we were going to do to make things better.

SL: Do you think the injuries and not having enough depth was the main reason for missing the play-offs? Do you still maintain the same level of confidence in Dave Sarachan?

PJW: Yes, and call-ups, transfers and bad breaks. And yes.

SL: You mentioned in that letter to the fans that you were bringing in Jorge Caballero and Thiago Gaucho for next season and also keeping Andy Herron. Are those "done deals" and can we assume that current International players such as Dipsy Selolwane and Andy Williams may be on their way out?

PJW: They are not done deals, but we are very confident we can get both deals done. Caballero holds a green card and Thiago will likely be a youth international meaning their international status should not impact Dipsy or Andy's status with the team.

SL: A lot of the early year International stars of MLS have retired, such as Etcheverry, Valderrama, Cienfuegos, etc. We really haven't seen the League replace that type of star power with their International signings. Do you think it would be good for the League to bring in some "name" International stars or should they stick with the less heralded young Internationals and why?

PJW: Name internationals are expensive and were more meaningful to the League in its formative years. Now it is more cost effective to invest in young, less expensive, yet talented international players.

SL: In your words, what does the deal between MLS and Adidas really mean for the League?

PJW: In addition to providing substantial capital, it indicates the value of MLS as a sponsor property.

SL: You have a wealth of talent at goal-keeper. Was Thornton brought in for trade purposes or can we expect to see him the side next year?

PJW: We tried very hard to place Zach with another MLS team this year, so he could begin playing right away. No team offered us even a first round draft pick, so we elected to retain his rights until the off season, when we can determine if it's best to keep him or trade him. Both options are still being contemplated.

SL: We are extremely excited for the opening of Bridgeview Stadium in '06. What extras can the fans expect from the stadium will their be any uniqueness to it?

PJW: The stadium will operate functionally well for soccer and concerts and have a distinctively Chicago feel to it. The design is intended to reflect the urban character of Chicago and be a temple to the sport of soccer much as Conseco (Indianapolis) is to basketball and Xcel Energy Center (St. Paul) is to hockey. The brick exterior, the three roofs and the inclusion of the Illinois Soccer Hall of Fame, special local and national historical soccer displays and blown up images of Chicago and US amateur and professional soccer history are intended to make the stadium America's Soccer Home.

SL: We have heard about expanded rosters and reserve teams for next season. Can you explain what this will mean for the Fire?

PJW: It hasn't been determined yet. If it is, then there will be considerably more work and opportunity for the Fire and all MLS teams.

SL: Who do you think some of the top young players will be in the 2005 SuperDraft?

PJW: The senior college class appears better than last year, but the real quality of the 2005 SuperDraft class won't be determined until the underclassmen come out.

SL: Who is your pick for MLS 2004 MVP and why?

PJW: Joe Cannon, because without him, the Rapids would not have made the playoffs. With him, they are a legitimate contender for the MLS Cup. Jaime was my second choice.

SL: What is your prediction for MLS Cup 2004?

PJW: Prior to the playoffs I predicted LA over MetroStars. After the first week's results, I would like to amend the runner-up prediction to DC united.

Interview by: Steven Patton