Chicago’s had a busy week following their 3-2 win over Toronto FC last Saturday. On Thursday the Fire announced the signing of Brazilian 23-year old midfielder Alex, who will join the team upon the June 27th transfer window opening. Fire fans may remember Alex from preseason camp, when the playmaking central mid debuted in two matches for the Fire, making a positive impression on all who were able to watch him play. In addition to the previous week’s signing of Chris Rolfe, it’s apparent as the team heads into the weekend preparing to face Seattle that Frank Klopas is not afraid to shake up his roster and continue making moves to solidify the 2012 squad.
Alex, who is currently playing for Swiss 2nd division FC Wohlen, had a solid preseason in his time with the Fire, who were allowed to trial him with FCW’s blessing. During preseason, he was quietly released, however the organization made it fairly clear that his departure was “for the time being”, and that it was likely we’d see him again soon. In that regard, it came as little surprise to some Fire fans who recall his performance with the club in Ave Marie, Florida back in February.
Klopas had nothing but positive things to say about the new Brazilian midfielder coming to the club. “Alex is a special player that we’re proud to add to our roster,” Frank said. “After having the opportunity to see him play for Wohlen last year, Alex joined us for part of preseason where he showed the ability to contribute to our club.” What remains to be seen at this point is what will become of an already crowded midfield upon Alex’s arrival at the end of June. Chicago already has midfielders Logan Pause, Pavel Pardo, Sebastian Grazzini, Marco Pappa, and Daniel Paladini, who are regular contributors or starters. Patrick Nyarko, currently playing alongside Dominic Oduro, will likely slot back in the midfield when Chris Rolfe returns from the ankle knock he picked up in training last week, crowding the midfield further. In addition, it remains to be seen what role Rafael Robayo may play with the team, as he has failed to impress to the point of being an unused sub in the game day 18. The addition of Alex to the lineup could possibly relegate the former Millonaires captain to the role of reservist, save any other changes to the midfield that might prevent that.
With the acquisition of Alex, it would seem the departure of Sebastian Grazzini when his contract is up in July is within the realm of possibility. Grazzini, who has been Chicago’s playmaking central attacking mid since joining the club last July, is on a one year contract. While it’s far too early to speculate on whether Grazzini will want to extend his contract with the Fire, or if the Fire are willing to do the same, it should be noted that in his professional career, Grazzini has never stayed with a club longer than two years, and has maxed out his appearances for any one club at 45 matches (while at Sestrese, an Italian Serie D club). Grazzini has also spent considerable time injured between the 2011 season, and preseason 2012. Again, while it’s too early to speculate, it wouldn’t exactly be surprising if Grazzini decided to move on, or the Fire decided against re-signing him.
All that means little this weekend, however, as Chicago prepares to face Seattle Sounders FC. Chicago, sporting a 2-1-2 record thus far in the 2012 campaign, have yet to beat Seattle since they came into the league in 2009. Chicago’s record against the Sounders stands at 0-3-3, with a -3 GA average. In three meetings last year (two regular season matches and the USOC Final), Chicago only managed a draw at Toyota Park, dropping both games at CenturyLink Field, although, at least in both MLS matches, the Fire were fairly evenly matched with Seattle. In spite of losing early in the season at CL, Chicago played relatively strong in a game where now-retired GK Kasey Keller had one of his better matches of the 2011 season.
Chicago will also be fielding a slightly different squad than the one who faced Seattle in any match last season. The Sounders have yet to face Sebastian Grazzini, who was out injured and only played roughly 10 minutes in the USOC Final. Pavel Pardo, a mainstay at defensive mid for the Fire, only saw Seattle during the USOC Final. In addition, this will be defender Arne Friedrich’s first match against Seattle as well, and should be a better test of the central defense than Toronto or Houston were. Friedrich plays a higher line than injured vet Cory Gibbs, but a 3rd match alongside Jalil Anibaba should bring with it better communication and more cohesion.
With Marco Pappa gone this week on international duty with Guatemala, it’s not likely he will see much action, at least in a starting role. From all appearances, it would seem that Daniel Paladini will get the nod on Saturday, for a number of reasons. First and foremost, Paladini is a highly physical player who will be able to effectively wear down Mauro Rosales, who will be returning to the lineup after missing action due to a knee sprain. Chicago will also have to contain Osvaldo Alonso, who’s been known to inflict damage on the Fire as well, and may draw marking from Paladini, who had the job of marking Alonso during the USOC Final. Paladini worked most of this week with the first team as well, typically an obvious indicator of his role come game day.
Chicago will again rely on the duo of Dominic Oduro and Patrick Nyarko up top, with the absence of what hopefully will be just one more week for Chris Rolfe, as he continues to rehab a sprained ankle. The Fire have Rolfe listed as day-to-day, and at this point it appears the earliest Fire fans may see him is next week away at Chivas USA. Nyarko and Oduro, both of whom tallied goals against Toronto, will look to link up again, this time imploring more of an attack that focuses on working the ball into the box from the wings. Seattle is sure to play deep against the speedy Oduro as they did last season. The offensive difference for Chicago this year is that they are finally figuring out other ways to attack, rather than sending ball after ball over the top in hopes that Oduro’s speed will ensure solid scoring chances. Seattle figured out this strategy last fall against Chicago, and the Fire had no “Plan B” to fall back on, ultimately losing the USOC Final 2-0.
In spite of a forecast including possible rain and cold temperatures, Chicago will have to take all the positives of their wins against Philly and Toronto, while simultaneously removing all the negatives of their loss to Colorado, as well as the mistakes that plagued them in spite of a win at TFC, if they want to walk away with three points. This will be the only meeting during regular season play between Seattle and Chicago, making a win all the more important, as grabbing optimum points from the West due to an imbalanced schedule could go a long way in helping the Fire avoid three straight years missing the playoffs. Still, Seattle will prove to be their most difficult test to date this season. While the team is improving, there are still factors leaving them exposed that could see the club dropping their first game at home in 2012.
Referee
Michael Kennedy
Injury Report
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC — OUT: GK Josh Ford (R knee stress fracture); GK Andrew Weber (L ankle sprain); DF Michael Tetteh (L hamstring strain); MF Steve Zakuani (R leg fracture); FW Babayele Sodade (R knee ACL tear); DOUBTFUL: MF Alvaro Fernandez (R quad strain); PROBABLE: DF Adam Johansson (L hamstring strain); MF Mauro Rosales (R knee sprain); MF Brad Evans (R hamstring strain)
CHICAGO FIRE — OUT: MF Steven Kinney (R posterior tibialis tendinitis); DF Cory Gibbs (R knee meniscus tear); QUESTIONABLE: FW Chris Rolfe (L ankle sprain)
Image courtesy of mlssoccer.com
