The Chicago Fire are well into their preseason, having defeated the University of South Florida 3-0 last weekend. Early signs are looking good – the Fire played well out of the back, attacked the Bulls repeatedly, and held most of the possession. This is to be expected against a college squad, but many of Chicago’s players have just finished college themselves. (Academy player Mauricio Pineda hasn’t even started his college career yet and played a wonderful shift at CB) Perhaps the most notable moment in the match was the goal scored by Arturo Alvarez, the veteran midfielder currently on trial with the team. With Joey Calistri getting a look at right back, and considering the Fire’s lack of offensive depth, Alvarez boosted his chance at making the final roster.
Chicago Fire Need Attacking Depth
The Men in Red have most likely completed an overhaul of their defense, with the signings of Joao Meira, Johan Kappelhof, and Brazil U-20 international Rodrigo Ramos on a loan deal. They have starting caliber midfielders and forwards returning from last season in Harry Shipp, Matt Polster, David Accam, and Gilberto.
However, they are just one or two injuries away from a crisis in the attack. There are few options to turn to if Accam, Gilberto, or Shipp are injured. The only depth signing in midfield so far has been Nick LaBrocca, hardly an offensive threat or creative force. There are no true wingers on the roster save for Accam, which has led to speculation about Kennedy Igboananike playing on the right wing. But Gilberto, Igboananike, and Calistri are the sole forwards on the roster at the moment. Considering Iggy’s slow start last season, and Gilberto’s reputation for getting injured, Chicago need at least one more reliable striker before the season starts. This is especially true if Calistri and Kennedy get playing time on the wings.
The aforementioned Arturo Alvarez would be a shrewd depth signing if he is fit. He has been a leader in El Salvador’s national team , has MLS experience, and can play any attacking position, including forward. As an over-30 player returning from the Hungarian league, Chicago may be able to get him for a bargain and add an intelligent attacking player. Some reports from El Salvador claim he has already signed with MLS, but he is listed as a trialist on the Fire website.
There has been no sign of transfer targets or players in camp at the forward position as of yet. Although Nelson Rodriguez and Veljko Paunovic have kept their cards close to their chests all offseason, the lack of strikers in camp is still worrying. The season starts next month, and there are only two forwards with professional experience on the roster. More worrying, the only players who have played wide midfield on the roster are Accam, Shipp, Kingsley Bryce, Michael Stephens, and Joey Calistri. Only Accam and Shipp could start on the wing for any other team in MLS.
Perhaps the Fire have been very good at preventing transfer rumors from coming out and there are reinforcements on the way. After all, the signing of Ramos flew completely under the radar. Fans will be hoping this is the case, because otherwise, Chicago will be relying on draft picks like Vincent Mitchell and unproven players like Kingsley Bryce to pick up more minutes than is comfortable this season.
