Jesse Marsch Quotations

Watching the games last year and trying to get a feel of what it meant for this community, it's an exciting week for us. I've heard a lot about what the stadium is going to be like. The stadium was great two weeks ago when we played but I've heard that it creates an emotional environment and I'm pretty excited about that.

What went on last year I don't think weighs as much on the players as it might on the fans. Frankly, even on the soccer side, this is an important game for us in terms of getting some points, playing well at home in front of our fans and continue this thing so people feel it's definitely different than last year.

We managed to pass it around pretty well tonight and I was happy with the way things were going, and I think that play was a microcosm of how the ball was moving tonight. Unfortunately, that was the only play that led to a goal for us.

I think the good things are that you have no distractions. You can go to your hotel room, and get a good meal. The bad things are the familiarity with the field. When you play on your home field you know where your spatial presence is. Trips to the West Coast can take something out of you - the time change and playing at a different time of day each effect you a little bit. The fans make a difference too. I think the biggest thing is the familiarity and special comfort you have playing in your own stadium.

I watched a couple of the games on TV last year and it was hard to get a real grasp as to what it was all about. So when I talked to guys who were here last year, I knew it was something special.

They took a much different approach. This year, they brought in a new coach and kind of have a new philosophy, not necessarily in terms of whether you're Hispanic or not but in terms of just trying to get good players.

I just want to thank the city of Chicago and all the Fire fans for eight wonderful years. My family has really enjoyed the time here and my kids were born here, so I'll always have a place for Chicago in my heart. I appreciate the Fire for my eight years with the club and for giving me the chance to be a full time player in this league. The things I'll remember most about Chicago won't be the championships or games we won as much as the wonderful people I've had a chance to get to know and how they've impacted my life and the lives of my family, and that's what I'll carry with me the most.

I hope he's in our plans. He trained (Thursday) and looked good. Personally, I'm a big fan of John's. ... He's a very good player and he's going to help us. It's just a matter of getting him on track and getting him healthy and getting him strong.

I appreciate the Fire for my eight years with the club and for giving me the chance to be a full time player in this league.