Klopas, Fire optimistic in restoration

Frank Klopas -- ISI Photos

There was some unfamiliarity among fans and even media folks attending the Chicago Fire's 2011 season kickoff luncheon on Monday at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Chicago.

Just who are some of these Men in Red? It is a natural reaction even if you have wholeheartedly attempted to keep close track of the Fire's offseason.

After missing the postseason for only the second time in the team's history in 2010, Fire technical director Frank Klopas and company went to work as half of last year's squad was not in the blueprint for this upcoming season. Klopas described on Monday how the team's retooling process spanned across "four continents and 12 countries -- more than all other offseasons combined over the club's 14-year history."

Fire fans soon will find out if Chicago's technical staff put together the right pieces when the team plays at FC Dallas on Saturday to open the 2011 MLS campaign.

"The time between our final match on Oct 23 last year and Jan. 28 when the players reported for training camp was busier than ever for myself and the technical staff, as we took an analytical and rigorous approach in how we could change things heading into 2011," Klopas said in his address to more than 750 luncheon attendees. "The offseason work was a necessary step in improving our squad that achieved results below the standards we expect here in Chicago."

Read more at ESPNChicago.com.