2011 preview: Fire open at Dallas

Fire captain Logan Pause (left) -- ISI Photos

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- One year ago the Chicago Fire had a vision of attractive and possession-driven play as its successful model.

After a trying 2010 MLS campaign that resulted in a sub-.500 record and a rare shortened season outside of the playoff picture, the Fire are hoping the implementation finally comes to fruition this 2011 season.

The new-look Chicago squad travels to Frisco, Texas, on Saturday to take on 2010 MLS Cup runner-up FC Dallas.

"We've obviously had quite a bit of changes coming into the year, but that's normal -- maybe a few more than usual," Fire captain and defensive midfielder Logan Pause said Friday following training. "But guys have come in and done their job to help move this thing along, so this weekend's a test for us and we're looking forward to it."

Read more at ESPNChicago.com.