{"id":8853,"date":"2017-07-30T17:22:29","date_gmt":"2017-07-30T21:22:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonsoccer.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=8853"},"modified":"2021-12-13T18:26:11","modified_gmt":"2021-12-13T23:26:11","slug":"accam-late-inclusion-dampens-fire-kc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/2017\/07\/30\/accam-late-inclusion-dampens-fire-kc\/","title":{"rendered":"Accam’s late inclusion dampens the Fire in KC"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Chicago Fire<\/a> suffered a second loss in as many weeks Saturday night in Kansas City<\/a>. Veljko Paunovic<\/a> had his hands full of drama<\/a> entering the match against MLS\u2019 stingiest defense. All Star snubbed Man In Red David Accam began the game on the bench for the second consecutive game amidst reports of salary disputes<\/a> and transfer requests. The Ghanian speedster showed his importance to the Fire again, as Chicago produced little in the attacking third until his inclusion in the second half. Paunovic had additional squad headaches with the absence of winger Arturo Alvarez and left back Brandon Vincent with injuries. The Serbian coach selected Luis Solignac ahead of Accam and gave Patrick Doody<\/a> his MLS season debut. The 3-2 loss leaves the Fire two points behind Toronto<\/a> at the top of the eastern conference and boosts Sporting Kansas City up to first place in the west.<\/p>\n

A Kiss Goodbye?<\/h1>\n

David Accam kissed the Chicago Fire badge as he celebrated his goal Saturday night. The winger\u2019s\u00a0<\/span>contribution and theatrics only add fuel to the speculation of where his future lies. The Fire were already down<\/a> by two goals against SKC when Veljko Paunovic substituted Accam in for Luis Solignac. There was an air of desperation to the inclusion of Accam. Bringing a player into the same game in which he was benched for off-the-field issues for the second consecutive week seems like a management failure. Benching Accam to start the game only\u00a0<\/span>to include him when the team is behind is a mixed message for Accam and the entire squad. Arsene Wenger\u2019s handling of Alexis<\/a> Sanchez at Arsenal last year is a prime example of how to mismanage a disruptive but important player. Chicago\u2019s head coach now heads into the All Star break with questions swirling about his Ghanaian playmaker.<\/p>\n

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.@iamdavidaccam<\/a> brings one back for the @ChicagoFire<\/a> and the lead is cut in half.<\/p>\n

Game on in Kansas City. #SKCvCHI<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/AE2WWtOavd<\/a><\/p>\n

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 30, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n