Brian McBride took some time out from the Fire's pre-season camp in Los Angeles to answer readers' questions. Here are his responses: What exactly did Daniele De Rossi say to you after he received a red card for an elbow on you in World Cup 2006? Thank you so much for bring...

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here are my thoughts on the Fire's 2-1 loss to the Columbus Crew on Thursday: 1. The Fire had the better roster, but the Crew was the better team: It was easy to tell why the Crew finished with the best record in MLS. Coach Sigi Schmid knew how to get the best out of his players an...

Frank Klopas got his first look at Guatemalan midfielder Marco Pablo Pappa during an Olympic qualifying match. Since then, he's spoken to several people who have seen Pappa play and has liked what he's heard. "We've done as much research as you can," Klopas said. According to the Fire tech...

If I don't know the answer to one of your questions, I'll usually email someone that does. Unfortunately, my Tribune email has been down. And since I don't use the phone, I have no other way of getting a hold of people. (I absolutely hate talking on the phone. I might be the only guy who asks for an...

Wilman Conde and Lider Marmol will be available for Saturday's game against the San Jose Earthquakes. Conde missed the Fire's last three games with a hamstring injury. Marmol has been recovering from a meniscus tear in his right knee. Both practiced yesterday at full speed and took part in a scrimma...

Before I get started, here is my Euro 2008 semifinals preview in today's Tribune. I had Germany beating Spain in the final before the tournament, so I'm looking really good right about now. As always, some questions have been edited. So say McBride was on the Fire, in what ways would he change the d...

[UPDATED AGAIN] Here are some links and updates for you this morning: 1. Cuauhtemoc Blanco was voted May's MLS Player of the Month. Mr. White had two goals and four assists in four matches. This is his first MLS Player of the Month award and the first for the Fire since Matt Pickens won it in Octobe...