The Fire has been mediocre at best leading into the World Cup, and now it must go 18 days without a Major League Soccer match to figure what to do next.
Brian McBride has no problems with the lengthy break from league play.
``We know as a team we need to concentrate better for the whole game,'' said McBride, alluding to the last match -- a 2-2 draw with Colorado that left the Fire at 3-3-5 going into the break. ``We need to be sharper, be focused and a little break will be good.''
The Fire has a June 20 exhibition against the minor league Minnesota Stars at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minn., during the break. The next MLS match is June 28 at New England and the Fire doesn't play again in Bridgeview until July 8, against Real Salt Lake.
One positive: Collins John is back. The Fire will need major production from the Dutch striker after the World Cup if it is to make the playoffs.