After recording a single win in its last 11 league games, the Fire should be reciting a renowned Chicago sports mantra: Wait until next year.
But due to the nature of the sport–and Major League Soccer’s policy that 80 percent of its teams make the playoffs–the Fire’s season is anything but over. With nine games remaining, it stands only three points from a third-place tie with D.C. United and one point behind New England for the fourth and final Eastern Conference bid.
However, the current roster has not shown the ability to shake the current slump. General manager Peter Wilt’s season-long search for talent is ongoing.
“We’re looking around the world for players that can make us a better team,” Wilt said. “We’re trying to provide some reinforcements and resources so we can compete for the championship.”
The first move came Tuesday when the Fire added Alexandre Boucicaut after the monthlong FIFA transfer window opened Sunday. The team hopes to play and perhaps even start the 22-year-old right midfielder Saturday at Los Angeles. However, that plan may change due to visa delays.
“He will help us immediately,” coach Dave Sarachan said. “He’s a player that can get behind defenders. He’s got the pace and quickness.”
More personnel moves could occur in the near future. Wilt is pursuing Brazilian center midfielder Thiago Gaucho. Honduran defender Samuel Caballero worked out with the club this week. Wilt still has allocation money from the overseas transfers of Carlos Bocanegra and DaMarcus Beasley to use to sign players. Or help may come via an MLS trade, but the end-of-the-month deadline is fast approaching.
The disappointment about the season is shared throughout the organization.
“It’s good to see somebody new, that maybe brings a spark to the team, that might push some guys for starting jobs,” said all-star defender Jim Curtin. “No one’s really safe out there anymore, because nobody’s been performing at their best level.”
