So it looks lilke the Sebastián Grazzini saga has come to an end – for now.
The midfield playmaker, who helped spur Chicago to a torrid stretch run in 2011 that brought them from the bottom of the standings to just short of the playoffs, has been loaned to Argentine top-flight side Atlético de Rafaela. Per team and MLS policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 31-year-old Grazzini was expected to be a main cog in the Fire's hoped-for return to the playoffs in 2012, but he never quite got on track this year. The midseason arrival of Chris Rolfe ate into his minutes, as did a formation switch to a 4-2-3-1.
He made his last appearance for Chicago on June 23 against Columbus, registering an assist in 59 minutes of work. During his Fire career, Grazzini had seven goals and nine assists in 25 games.
