I remarked in my analysis of the match a few days later that the Fire need to find a way to change their lineup in order to provide better resistance to their opponents’ advances. News out of Chicago this week is that the Fire are extremely close to signing a player that could provide them with that extra bit of defensive presence that the team needs.
Numerous sources have reported that coveted Paraguayan defender/midfielder Lider Marmol is training in Chicago and is close to signing with the 4-time U.S. Open Cup champions.
"We feel like we're close to a deal… It's in the works" Fire head coach Denis Hamlett was quoted as saying on Chicago Tribune reporter Luis Arroyave’s blog.
Marmol, of course, had a brief stint training with the Fire at the end of last season and the Fire filed a discovery claim on the player with MLS. As a result of that discovery claim, the Fire acquired the right to sign Marmol before any other MLS side. Juan Carlos Osorio’s departure from Chicago, however, led to the New York Red Bulls also trying to sign the 22-year old and he trained with Osorio and the Red Bulls up until this week.
Once it became clear, though, that the Fire were not willing to deal Marmol’s rights, Marmol decided to give training with the Fire another shot.
"I hope we can reach an agreement," Marmol was quoted as saying in the same article. “Both sides have said they want to make this work. Now we just to need to figure out a few more details and then sign.”
If Marmol does indeed join the Fire, he will provide the Fire with a talented young player capable of playing a holding midfield role or of filling in as a center back. Reports out of Red Bull practices this season had Marmol down as a very impressive prospect. Marmol’s inclusion in a Fire starting XI could provide the side with the ball-winning presence in midfield that it’s been missing, and his ability to play center back also gives the Fire the flexibility to let guys like William Conde, Diego Gutierrez, or Bakary Soumare play the role of covering behind playmaker Cuautemoc Blanco.
For more on Marmol, click here.
Conde apologizes to team, could be in Chicago long-term
I said before last week’s match that we might find out more about the status with the team of Columbian defender Wilman Conde, who had previously asked for an off-season trade to New York. Conde ended up starting last Saturday’s match, and put in 79 solid minutes before leaving with a slight injury.
The Chicago Tribune reported this week that Conde apologized to his teammates before the match, and it now appears more likely that Conde will last for the rest of the season in a Fire uniform.
Injuries still affecting Fire lineup
Fire captain C.J. Brown’s season debut might have to wait still another week. The center back is listed as doubtful for tomorrow’s match against the Kansas City Wizards. Defenders Brandon Prideaux and Diego Gutierrez are also listed as doubtful and questionable respectively, so the Fire could be a little thin in the back.
Forward/midfielder Chris Rolfe, another starter, is listed as questionable, and if he can’t go I’m guessing that Stephen King will once again get the nod at right mid.
The match is at 3 p.m. eastern time, 2 central on telefutura.
Marmol, of course, had a brief stint training with the Fire at the end of last season and the Fire filed a discovery claim on the player with MLS. As a result of that discovery claim, the Fire acquired the right to sign Marmol before any other MLS side. Juan Carlos Osorio’s departure from Chicago, however, led to the New York Red Bulls also trying to sign the 22-year old and he trained with Osorio and the Red Bulls up until this week.
Once it became clear, though, that the Fire were not willing to deal Marmol’s rights, Marmol decided to give training with the Fire another shot.
"I hope we can reach an agreement," Marmol was quoted as saying in the same article. “Both sides have said they want to make this work. Now we just to need to figure out a few more details and then sign.”
If Marmol does indeed join the Fire, he will provide the Fire with a talented young player capable of playing a holding midfield role or of filling in as a center back. Reports out of Red Bull practices this season had Marmol down as a very impressive prospect. Marmol’s inclusion in a Fire starting XI could provide the side with the ball-winning presence in midfield that it’s been missing, and his ability to play center back also gives the Fire the flexibility to let guys like William Conde, Diego Gutierrez, or Bakary Soumare play the role of covering behind playmaker Cuautemoc Blanco.
For more on Marmol, click here.
Conde apologizes to team, could be in Chicago long-term
I said before last week’s match that we might find out more about the status with the team of Columbian defender Wilman Conde, who had previously asked for an off-season trade to New York. Conde ended up starting last Saturday’s match, and put in 79 solid minutes before leaving with a slight injury.
The Chicago Tribune reported this week that Conde apologized to his teammates before the match, and it now appears more likely that Conde will last for the rest of the season in a Fire uniform.
Injuries still affecting Fire lineup
Fire captain C.J. Brown’s season debut might have to wait still another week. The center back is listed as doubtful for tomorrow’s match against the Kansas City Wizards. Defenders Brandon Prideaux and Diego Gutierrez are also listed as doubtful and questionable respectively, so the Fire could be a little thin in the back.
Forward/midfielder Chris Rolfe, another starter, is listed as questionable, and if he can’t go I’m guessing that Stephen King will once again get the nod at right mid.
The match is at 3 p.m. eastern time, 2 central on telefutura.
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