Logan Pause knows plenty of uncertainty comes with his line of work.
But the Chicago Fire midfielder has never had to deal that for the first 11 years of his career, even after he saw teammate after teammate part ways with the club. Now, after essentially being replaced in the starting XI in 2013, the Fire captain is finally feeling the tenuous nature of MLS after starting a career-low 11 games this season.
And while he wants to stay, he knows that moving on is a possibility with new coach Frank Yallop taking the helm.
“Those are all things that my family and I need to think about,” Pause told MLSsoccer.com by phone. “That is not my intention at all. I've been here my whole career, and of course I hope to remain here. But part of it is not up to me. If Frank wants to go in another direction and doesn't want me around, I do still want to play, so we'll cross that bridge if it comes. I hope it doesn't get to that point, but you never know.”
The 32-year-old made just one start in the last eight games of the season, when Arévalo Rios, Jeff Larentowicz and Alex were all preferred options in central midfield by previous coach Frank Klopas. After never starting fewer than 21 times in a season, Pause played in just 15 games in 2013.
“Frank Klopas and his coaching staff felt there were other guys who were more consistent or were doing the job that they wanted, and that's kind of what it is,” Pause said. “I still was competing every day. I still felt like I was pushing those guys who were in front of me. I was just waiting for my number to be called.
"Of course I got a couple of games, a couple of minutes here and there. I felt like having the right attitude kept me prepared, so that if and when those minutes came, I was on the field, ready to help the team.”
Still, Pause remained the off-field captain and leader of the club.
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Chicago have an option on Pause's contract this season, but whether they'll pick up that option is questionable. They could also renegotiate to bring him back at a lower salary.
But if Pause has his way, he'll be back in Fire red for his 12th season.
“Of course I want to be back,” he said. “Of course I do still feel like I can play and contribute. I feel healthy and good, and to be honest with you I'm excited to get back and get out on the field.”
