The Chicago Fire are coming off a three-game homestand, which likely represented the team’s final chance to make a push to get back in the playoff race.
The Fire went 1-1-1 during that homestand, beating Philadelphia 3-0, losing to Toronto 2-1 and then drawing D.C. United 2-2. The Fire (6-13-9, 27 points) have fallen back into the worst record in the league, sitting two points behind both Columbus and Houston.
“In this league it’s very difficult to earn points,” coach Veljko Paunovic said on Monday during a conference call with media. “I am a little bit disappointed we didn’t get more of these three games after a good enthusiastic month behind us in games that we played like the game against Montreal on the road and things like that.”
The Fire now begin a three-game road trip starting with New York City FC on Friday. Paunovic said John Goossens, who missed the match against D.C. due to a back injury, will not be available in New York. Michael de Leeuw was also out against D.C., but Paunovic said de Leeuw is improving from his sprained ankle and is day-to-day.
With de Leeuw and Goossens out, David Arshakyan earned his first start for the Fire. The 22-year-old has admitted to still being in the adjustment period with the team, league and country.
“For this game we had different plans for him, but as we had injured players you cannot schedule opportunities,” Paunovic said. “We believe it was the time that we have to give him the opportunity to play, even though we didn’t think he was 100 percent ready. But I think he did very well. He adjusted very well.
“As the first start it was for him difficult, but then he adjusted very well and he ended up playing more comfortable on the ball and even more dangerous. He had a couple of opportunities where he almost scored a goal.”
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Alex Morrell is the only other injury the Fire are dealing with now. The rookie midfielder picked up an injury while on loan with Saint Louis FC, but trained with the Fire on Monday.
Saint Louis FC lost 5-1 at home to Louisville on Saturday, which eliminated the USL club from playoff contention. St. Louis led 1-0 before a first half red card turned the tide. Two Fire players on loan saw the field. Patrick Doody started and played the full 90 minutes at left back. Midfielder Collin Fernandez came off the bench in the 64th minute. He registered a shot and had a couple highlights that can be watched here and here.
St. Louis has one more game left in the regular season, which is Saturday at Oklahoma City. Doody, Fernandez and Morrell will rejoin the Fire on a full-time basis after that.
In other news related to younger Fire players, second-year midfielder Matt Polster was named to MLS’ 24 Under 24 list for the second year in a row. Select media members vote on the best 24 players in the league under the age of 24. Polster came in at No. 20 this year after being No. 21 last year.
Jonathan Campbell, Brandon Vincent and Rodrigo Ramos also made the list of 50 players to be considered. Ramos hasn’t played in the Fire’s last eight MLS matches. When asked about Ramos’ lack of playing time, Paunovic didn’t give much away.
“Of course it’s possible (he plays again),” Paunovic said. “It’s up to him and it’s up to the other guys fighting for the spot.”