BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – Chicago Fire coach Frank Klopas is leaving little doubt: His team is looking to add a forward during the transfer window, which opened on Wednesday.
“I’ve always said that if we can add some more depth there, with another forward, we would,” Klopas said. “Could we add two? Could we add one there and one in the middle? We have to make sure always that it’s the right fit for the team.”
Klopas confirmed that the Fire are taking a look at Dutch forward Sherjill MacDonald, who plays for Belgian side Germinal Beerschot.
“He’s on our list of four or five candidates we’re looking at,” Klopas said. “We’re looking to add another striker.”
Klopas said that age would be a factor the Fire would consider. That leaves questions about reported offers to 35-year-old Ukrainian Andriy Shevchenko.
“You want to bring guys you can build with for longer than six months or one year,” Klopas said. “That’s always the goal.”
Kinney back in training
It’s been a long road back for Steve Kinney.
The Fire outside back ruptured his Achilles tendon on Oct. 23, 2010, in a game against Chivas USA, and hasn’t played since. Kinney participated in full practice this week for the first time since the injury.
“I just need to come out and work through the tired legs and all that,” Kinney said Wednesday. “Because that’s how you get your fitness back and just keep progressing.”
The 24-year-old worked his way into the starting lineup during his rookie year two years ago, starting 10 games before the injury put a hold on his career.
Most days this season, Kinney could be seen jogging on the sideline at practice, and he only recently began kicking a soccer ball on the side of the field.
“My foot’s still trying to figure out how to kick it, but it’ll come back soon enough,” Kinney said. “I was doing touches on the side for about three or four weeks, but now it’s just about hitting the longer balls, and you just have to work on your accuracy. But it’s still there.”
Alex on the gameday roster
Midfielder Alex will be on the gameday roster on Friday when the Fire play Sporting Kansas City, Klopas said.
The Brazilian playmaker arrived two weeks ago after Chicago signed him in April, but he wasn’t available until the transfer window opened on Wednesday. He can be used as a second striker or an attacking midfielder.
“He’s going to travel with us and depending on how the game goes, on the situation, we’ll see,” Klopas said. “He’s available for the team, so that’s good.”
