According to SoccerAmerica, Jesse Marsch and Tom Soehn are the two finalists to take over the coaching spot.

“After going through initial interviews, along with Mike Jeffries, Curt Onalfo and Chris Armas, Marsch and Soehn have been interviewed a second time by team majority investor Andrew Hauptman in Los Angeles. He decided to jettison Coach Denis Hamlett after Chicago lost the Eastern Conference final to Real Salt Lake on penalty kicks to fall one game short of MLS Cup for the second straight season.

Soehn, 43, left D.C. United a month ago as it contemplated replacing him following his third season in charge. One of the D.C. candidates, Akron coach Caleb Porter, announced his decision to stick with the college game on Monday, which leaves Onalfo as the last man standing unless D.C. opens up the process again. Soehn has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the Vancouver expansion team that will come into the league in 2011.

Marsch, 36, played for the Fire’s 1998 championship team after spending his first two pro seasons with D.C., which won titles in both seasons. He has played the last three seasons for Chivas USA and has been pondering whether to play another year for new coach Martin Vasquez or move into the coaching ranks.”

Jesse March is a longtime “fan favorite” and it is sure that it wouldn’t take him long to obtain Chicago’s trust. Chivas USA made two appearances at Toyota Park this past season with both their meetings ending at 1-nil defeats. However, Jesse, following the match made sure to greet the Chicago Faithful where he received the respect he deserved.

Tom Soehn is also a well-respected Fire original, having helped them win several silverware (MLS Cup 98, USOC 98,00). Soehn also had a short spell as an assistant coach for the Fire in the 2001-2003 seasons.

All in all, both of these finalists are sure to make a quick impact on the club, setting high expectations from the get go. Your thoughts?