Football Season Guide

MLS
USA
MLS
2020
Chicago Fire
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Chicago Fire

In


Álvaro Medrán (mid) Valencia, Robert Berić (att) Saint-Etienne, Miguel Navarro (def) Deportivo La Guaira, Bobby Shuttleworth (gk) Sacramento Republic, Wyatt Omsberg (def) Minnesota United, Boris Sekulić (def) Gornik Zaberze, Ignacio Aliseda (mid) Defensa y Justicia, Luka Stojanović (mid) FK Čukarički), Connor Sparrow (Nashville FC)

Out


Bastian Schweinsteiger (def) retired, Nemanja Nikolić (att) Fehérvár FC, Dax McCarthy (mid) Nashville SC, Grant Lillard (def) Inter Miami, Stefan Cleveland (gk) Seattle Sounders, Nicolás Gaitán (mid) Lille, Aleksandar Katai (att) LA Galaxy, Cristian Martínez (mid) Cadiz, Amando Moreno (mid) New Mexico United, David Ousted (gk) Hammarby, Richard Sánchez (gk) Sporting Kansas City, Marcelo (def) Paços de Ferreira, Raheem Edwards (def) Minnesota United

Chicago endured a miserable campaign last time out, failing to make the play offs for a 2nd consecutive season. Despite a strong, unbeaten end to the season, early inconsistency saw the Fire finish just outside the play off spots and exit the US Open Cup and Leagues Cup at the first hurdle. There have been a number of crucial changes for Chicago over the close season. On the playing front, key man Bastian Schweinsteigger departs with his replacement, Boris Sekulic, something of an unknown quantity. Chicago's lacklustre attack is further weakened by Nikolic's departure. Beric seems a solid replacement but could struggle to replicate his predecessor's scoring record. Sapong will likely be given a more central role after a good campaign. Midfield is a promising area, with the likes of Bronico bolstered by new signings Medran and Stojanović. Dax McCarthy's departure is a blow but the new arrivals cover his absence well. Meanwhile, the Fire's move to Soldier Field, within Chicago city limits, could change their form with expected larger crowds creating a more intimidating atmosphere at home games.

Target


The club will be keen to build on their solid end to last season and move to a more central area with immediate success and anything less than a play off finish will be regarded as a failure. How quickly the new additions can blend in with established players will be key.