The Fire couldn’t have picked a more fitting way to officially end their playoff hopes.

After building a two-goal lead, the Fire capitulated in the last half hour of a 3-2 loss to Charlotte FC, suffering the defeat when Karol Swiderski scored in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time. With the defeat, the Fire were eliminated from postseason contention for the fifth consecutive season.

And coach Ezra Hendrickson was ticked. Very ticked.

“It’s just us not wanting it enough,” Hendrickson said, with a hoarse voice. “I want to apologize to the fans that they have to go through that a second time this year, in a game this important, that we can put ourselves in a good position to extend our [playoff hopes] at least another week, then a couple weeks, extend our playoff hopes and we just come out the second half and just decide we’re not going to defend, we’re not going to play disciplined and just do whatever we want.

“I want to apologize for that, because that’s not good enough.”

The first time the Fire squandered a 2-0 lead in a 3-2 loss, it was in July and followed by a five-game unbeaten streak that included four wins.

This time, there is no coming back for the Fire. Not that they would deserve another chance, and Hendrickson said it was like “11 individuals” playing in the second half.

“As far as how it happened, it’s just them wanting it more than we did,” Hendrickson said. “It’s not acceptable. I’m very upset, I’m very disappointed right now. That 45 minutes, second half, that’s not a team… that was not a good-enough team I felt. All across the pitch in the second half, we just did not stick to the game plan. Guys weren’t playing their roles.”

Captain Rafael Czichos was a little more calm, but also pointed.

“There are no excuses,” Czichos said. “We lost it today. We lost the whole season today. We lost the chance to have a little chance for the playoffs still. You can see everybody is so disappointed. It’s hard to explain.”

A loss like this should force significant introspection from Hendrickson, his players and owner Joe Mansueto, who has to decide whether to bring back sporting director Georg Heitz. But what was already clear – and emphatically confirmed Saturday – is that the Fire are not built to win and need more changes before 2023.

“We are missing a little bit of consistency,” Czichos said. “It’s hard to explain 10 minutes after a game after a tough loss against a team that’s fighting with us for a playoff seed. I don’t know. It’s hard.”

Though Czichos meant the 2022 Fire are missing consistency, losses like Saturday have been a running theme for the franchise for over a decade. At the start, this year felt like it could be different, with eight points through four games and a seemingly stout defense plus the arrival of Xherdan Shaqiri.

But a 10-game winless streak and significant injuries that exposed the Fire’s depth once again did them in.

The reality of the situation seemed to hit Gabriel Slonina very hard. A Fire homegrown who’s on his way to Chelsea in January, Slonina desperately wanted to help the Fire return to the postseason.

Unless Slonina’s back next season on a loan, that won’t be happening.

“It’s difficult. It’s hard to process,” Slonina said. “My mind is just cloudy right now. I don’t have much words. It’s just difficult to take in.”

Hendrickson was struggling with what he had just seen, and not quite ready to talk about the lessons he’s learned in his first year with the Fire.

“Tonight is still in my mind right now,” Hendrickson said. “My focus is about what happened tonight, because regardless of what happened throughout the season, regardless of what mistakes we made through the season, we had the opportunity tonight to, at the least, extend our playoff hopes and we come out and do what we’re supposed to in the first half and we don’t finish out the game in the second half.

“That’s what’s on my mind right now. That’s what’s bugging me right now.”

A lot of Fire fans feel the same way.

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DETROIT — A successful bunt, a double steal, a timely hit and a sacrifice fly.

After Liam Hendriks pitched out of a jam in the 10th, stranding the winning run at third with a short fly ball and strikeout, the White Sox used that combination to pushed across two runs in the 11th inning for a much needed 4-3 win against the Tigers Saturday.

With the Guardians headed toward a doubleheader sweep, the Sox still lost ground to the AL Central leaders, falling to five games behind.

Yoan Moncada singled in the go-ahead run against lefty Gregory Soto after Soto misplayed Elvis Andrus’ sacrifice bunt into a single, and Andrus scored on Eloy Jimenez’ sacrifice fly after stealing third ahead of Moncada on a double steal.

Aaron Bummer (second save) pitched the 11th, allowing the free runner to score but no one else to give the Sox a win one night after Hendriks (4-4) took the loss in the 10th.

Rookie right-hander Davis Martin, called up from Triple-A Charlotte to replace Michael Kopech who landed on the injured list, pitched six innings of one-run ball, giving the Sox a chance.

After getting blanked by lefty Eduardo Rodriguez for six innings, the Sox took a 2-1 lead in the seventh on a two-run single from AJ Pollock against righty reliever Jason Foley.

The Tigers caught a break and tied it in the eighth when Akil Baddoo scored from second on Riley Greene’s infield single, thanks to shortstop Elvis Andrus’ throw to the plate that should have had Baddoo easily but was off the mark.

Andrus made a diving stop of Greene’s two-out bouncer headed to left field, and Baddoo, who was on second, kept going around third apparently unaware that Andrus made the stop. Andrus hesitated, then threw wide from the outfield grass, and it was 2-2.

Martin allowed three hits and one walk while striking out five Tigers. He threw 85 pitches, 57 strikes.

“A tough year”

There’s no getting the Sox’ shaky defense and lagging offense for most of the season, but there’s also no denying how much the abundance of injuries saddled a team that can’t distance itself much from the .500 mark.

“It’s been a tough year,” coach Jerry Narron said. “Anytime you go through different lineups we’ve had every day out of necessity … Just coming to the ballpark hoping this player is going to be able to play tonight [became the norm].”

Robert returns

Luis Robert returned to center field, batting eighth as manager Miguel Cairo wasn’t fully confident in what Robert could give offensively because of his sore wrist.

“He can cover a lot of ground in the outfield,” Cairo said. “Trying to put the best lineup in there today.

“I know he can play through it. I just have to be careful. I don’t want him to get hurt or nothing like that. Those [last] two days, he said he was better today so I’m going with him.”

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The Bears might be leaving Soldier Field.

The Fire could be, too.

During a town hall with fans before their game Saturday against Charlotte FC, team president Ishwara Glassman Chrein said building a soccer-specific stadium within city limits is an option for the Fire. Another option if the Bears bolt for Arlington Heights would be to become Soldier Field’s primary tenant, which could include significant renovations to make the facility more friendly for the Fire.

But the idea of a soccer-specific stadium in Chicago would be a major development for the Fire, who are seemingly on the verge of finalizing plans for a state-of-the-art performance center.

This story will be updated

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No one who watched last season’s Class 6A state championship game will ever forget it. The game will be remembered for decades. Cary-Grove beat mighty East St. Louis with an astounding display of discipline and toughness.

It was the performance that every high school football coach dreams about. The Trojans reached the summit of Illinois high school football, finishing as undefeated state champions and the top-ranked team in the final Super 25.

Most of those players are in college now and there is only one direction to go when you reach the top: down. But Cary-Grove coach Brad Seaburg is starting a new adventure, one that every dad treasures. He’s coaching his son Peyton, the Trojans’ starting quarterback.

“He’s a normal Cary-Grove kid,” Brad Seaburg said. “It’s been good so far. He’s trying to improve just like everyone.”

Peyton Seaburg and the Trojans’ offense didn’t resemble last season’s well-oiled machine, but the defense stepped up and led the way to an 18-0 win against visiting McHenry on Saturday.

“We’ve improved every week and that’s been our whole goal,” Brad Seaburg said. “Our defense took huge strides today. They played outstanding. Gavin [Henriques] has three interceptions in the last two games.”

Cary-Grove (3-1, 3-1 Fox Valley) grabbed four interceptions and forced a fumble. Linebacker Charlie Ciske, just a sophomore, had two sacks. He’s one of several young players stepping up on varsity for a tradition-rich program.

“It’s a lot to take in but I’m so happy to be part of it,” Ciske said. “What I’m learning impacts more than just football. It helps you be more mentally, emotionally and physically tough and just a better, stronger person overall.”

Colin Desmet had 11 carries for 46 yards and a touchdown. The senior running back/linebacker also snared an interception.

“A lot of kids are stepping up into new roles this season so it’s been a process,” Desmet said.

Desmet’s one-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter opened the scoring. Seaburg threw a 37-yard touchdown pass to Desmet in the third quarter to make it 12-0. The Trojans missed all three extra-point kicks.

Seaburg was 3-for-7 passing for 75 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

McHenry quarterback Dominick Caruso threw the four interceptions but also made a lot happen. The senior was 14-for-27 passing for 245 yards. Jacob Zarek had six catches for 166 yards for the Warriors (0-4, 0-4).

“McHenry played well,” Seaburg said. “They played hard and tackled real well. We couldn’t get anything sustained offensively.”

Expectations are always high at Cary-Grove, but this is likely a rebuilding year. Jacobs and Prairie Ridge are the Fox Valley leaders so far.

The Trojans play at Prairie Ridge on Friday. It’s a huge rivalry and traditionally one of the biggest games in Class 6A every season.

“There’s a lot of things about that game,” Seaburg said. “It’s two quality high schools and two programs that have historically had success. I know our kids look forward to it and our fans do too.”

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Hayden Wesneski’s preparation and sharpness validated his determination to earn a spot on the Cubs’ 2023 opening day roster.

And that’s exactly what manager David Ross has been looking for down the stretch with an influx of young but inexperienced players.

Wenseski’s seven innings of three-hit ball stood out Saturday in a 3-1 loss to the Rockies that snapped a four-game losing streak.

Since being promoted Sept. 6 from Triple-A Iowa, Wesneski has walked two while striking out 18 in 15 2/3 innings. More impressive was the manner in which Wesneski rebounded from his previous outing, in which he was tagged for three runs on four hits (including two home runs) in 3 2/3 innings in a Sept. 11 loss to the Giants.

“A beautiful outing,” said Ross, marveling over Wesneski’s sharpness and his ability to pitch effectively with his slider.

Wesneski, 24, retired 16 consecutive batters at one point and was so locked in that “I didn’t know what inning it was.”

Before the game, Ross tempered the excitement over the minor successes of the young players.

“There’s expectations I still have that we’re not meeting as a team yet,” Ross said. “I don’t want to lose sight of that. I want to continue it to be a privilege to get up here and play in the major leagues, and that’s something that’s hard to do in our organization.”

A blooper by Yonathan Daza near the right field foul line bounced over rookie Nelson Velazquez for a double in the first.

In the seventh, second baseman Zach McKinstry bobbled a grounder before skipping a throw past catcher P.J. Higgins that allowed C.J. Cron to score.

And the sequence became harrowing when shortstop Christopher Morel fired a throw that sailed past first base in an attempt to nail Elias Diaz, who retreated after momentarily tried to advance to second on McKinstry’s errant throw.

If the Cubs intend to dip into the free-agent market with ferocity, the two years of scholarships granted to players because of need and not merit could finally end.

For now, Ross is trying to teach and win, as evidenced by his late-game moves for defensive purposes.

“There are changes that happens, moves that are made and injuries that pop up,” Ross said. “In one way, all these things are great experiences for me. In another way, we got a long way to go.”

Despite a lack of quality sleep, Wesneski was alert in his pregame planning session.

“He had an idea of what he wanted to do, which is huge,” catcher P.J. Higgins said. “Especially from a younger guy. A lot of times they want to be told what to do.”

Wesneski, acquired from the Yankees Aug. 1 for reliever Scott Effross,might not receive another start this season, pending the health of left-hander Justin Steele (low back strain) and Keegan Thompson (low back tightness). But he will pitch in some form before the season ends.

“My stuff is good, and I know that,” Wesneski said. “If I keep throwing strikes with my stuff, I have a chance even when I’m not sharp with my stuff.”

Reliever Adbert Alzolay, making his first appearance since returning from a right lat strain, allowed a tie-breaking triple to Charlie Blackmon and RBI single to Diaz in the ninth.

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Nico Hoerner’s right biceps mild strain will sideline him for at least a couple more days, and it’s uncertain when the Cubs’ standout shortstop will return.

“It’s a little worse off than we thought,” admitted manager David Ross, who said an MRI indicated the injury needed to be treated with more caution.

Hoerner hasn’t played since injuring the arm while diving and making a quick throw Sept. 11 against the Giants. But with a .291 batting average, an 86.8 percent contact rate and 11 Defensive Runs Saved, there’s nothing left for Hoerner to prove to the Cubs this season.

As of now, the Cubs haven’t publicly hinted the thought of shutting down Hoerner, who indicated to Ross that he’d like to return this season.

“I would say we’re going to try to work on him to get back,” Ross said. “He wants to get back.”

Timely insurance policy

In the event the Cubs don’t re-sign Willson Contreras this winter, they appear to have no worse than a capable part-time replacement in Yan Gomes.

With Gomes behind the plate, starters Marcus Stroman (3.06), Justin Steele (1.36), Keegan Thompson (3.42), Kyle Hendricks (2.83) and Adrian Sampson (2.67) have an ERA lower than their season mark.

Gomes, 35, was signed to two-year, $13 million contract with a 2024 club option before the December 2 lockout.

“I think he just has that veteran presence back there, and guys trust him,” pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said. “He can relate to guys. He also knows the right time to challenge them a little bit.”

Gomes has caught the likes of Corey Kluber, Andrew Miller, Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Chris Bassitt and Frankie Montas prior to joining the Cubs.

“His level of communication with the player and the staff, being on the same page, he really takes pride in covering the whole part of every part of the game and communicating it,” Hottovy said. “He does a great job of that. When he gets guys to trust it’s going to work, he has the ability to influence them in a lot of ways.”

This and that

The contract of infielder Esteban Quiroz was selected from Triple-A Iowa. Quiroz appeared as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning but struck out. …Right fielder Seiya Suzuki was placed on the paternity leave list to attend to the birth of his first child in his native Japan. … Left-hander Sean Newcomb and first baseman Frank Schwindel were designated for assignment.

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How the Chicago Bears rookies performed relative to their peers

The Chicago Bears had an incredible comeback victory in Week 1 over the San Francisco 49ers. The Bears’ second-round rookies played a massive role in the win. Their performance helped to quiet the analysts who predicted their selection would be a net positive for the Bears. General manager Ryan Poles has been criticized by the national media and fans for his choices in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Poles chose to draft a cornerback, Kyler Gordon, and a safety, Jaquan Brisker, with his first two selections. The most blatant complaints were that Poles didn’t address needs on the offense to help second-year quarterback Justin Fields. (I was one of them.)

I thought it would be interesting to make a week-by-week comparison of how Gordon and Brisker stack up compared to their peers. Their peers in this comparison will be wide receivers or offensive linemen taken after Gordon and before Velus Jones Jr. to evaluate Poles’ choices versus other general managers.

This is obviously a short sample size. It’s possible the Bears’ draft choices or their peers blossom after their rookie year. It also doesn’t factor in possibilities like the Bears trading up for first-round talent. But it’ll give Bears fans a chance to see if the Bears were missing out on offense or if Poles’ decision to not overcook the board was prescient. Here’s a list to see how the Bears’ picks compared to a player you might have chosen. I was a fan of picking wide receiver George Pickens or an offensive lineman.

How Chicago Bears rookies Gordon and Brisker performed in Week 1

(CB) Kyler Gordon: PFF grade has Gordon at a 62.8 overall rating. He had an impressive six solo tackles. He gave up five receptions. One of those receptions he blew the coverage on, allowing wide receiver Jauan Jennings to have a significant gain on third down.(S) Jaquan Brisker: PFF grade has Brisker at a 61.2 overall rating. He only allowed one reception. Brisker had a huge fumble recovery in the Redzone.

How the Chicago Bears rookie peers performed in Week 1

Giants (WR) Wan’Dale Robinson: PFF grade has Robinson at a 75.4 overall rating. He caught one pass for five yards. Robinson’s day was cut short by a knee injury.Texans (WR) John Metchie III: Metchie will not be playing this season for health reasons.Patriots (WR) Tyquan Thornton: Did not play in Week 1 due to injury.Eagles (C) Cam Jurgens: Not much to report on Jurgens. He didn’t do enough to get on the stat sheet or grading sheet.Steelers (WR) George Pickens: PFF grade has Pickens at a 50.1 overall rating. He caught one pass for three yards. Quarterback Mitch Trubisky targeted Pickens three times in his debut.Colts (WR) Alec Pierce: PFF grade has Pierce at a 40.3 overall rating. Pierce had a rough start to his NFL career. He dropped a would-be-touchdown in Week 1.Chiefs (WR) Skyy Moore: PFF grade has Moore at an 80.4 overall rating. Moore only had one target for the Chiefs. He made the most of it by making a 30-yard completion.Buccaneers (OG) Luke Goedeke: PFF grade has Goedeke at a 49.6 overall rating. He gave up no sacks of Tom Brady in his first NFL start.Vikings (OG) Ed Ingram: PFF grade has Ingram at a 79.3 rating. Ingram struggled in the passing game but was spectacular in the Vikings’ rushing attack.Jaguars (C) Luke Fortner: PFF grade has Fortner at a 44.2 overall rating. Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson called Fortner’s performance “not great but good.”Patriots (G) Joshua Ezeudu: PFF grade has Ezeudu at a 50.3 overall rating. He allowed one sack in his first start. Ezeudu’s performance was much like Ingram’s, better in the run game than the pass.Titans (OT) Nicholas Petit-Frere: PFF grade has Petit-Frere at a 65.5 overall rating. He was impressive in the passing game for the Titans but earned a negative EPA grade in their rushing attack.

Poles did well with value in Week 1 for the Chicago Bears

Poles’ decision to take both Gordon and Brisker appears to be solid through the first week of the NFL regular season. We’ll see how this continues through the season as the wide receivers get more reps with the quarterbacks and the offensive linemen settle into their offensive schemes.

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