BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – Finally, Michael Videira is back in the mix.
The Chicago Fire midfielder played for the first time this season in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Philadelphia, just the sixth time he’s made the game-day roster.
With Logan Pause out four to six weeks with two broken ribs and pneumothorax, Videira is suddenly a candidate for a starting spot.
“Just breaking in, at least, was progress … If they need me, I’m ready to go,” Videira told MLSsoccer.com. “My most natural position is in the central midfield. Especially when we have two back there, I have an understanding of just shape in general, what I need to do, my role there.”
The 26-year-old came to the Fire last year after bouncing around American soccer, including a brief stint with the New England Revolution. He earned a spot in the starting lineup in early 2011, but after playing in six games in March and April, he only played three more times.
“It’s frustrating for sure [not making the bench],” Videira said. “But you have to take the opportunities as you get them.”
Coach Frank Klopas said he’d consider both Videira and Daniel Paladini to replace Pause in Saturday’s game against New England.
Kinney plays
Twenty-two months after playing his last game, in which he tore his Achilles' tendon, Steven Kinney played 60 minutes in Chicago's 3-1 Reserve League win over Colorado.
The Fire defender assisted Dominic Oduro’s goal in the 42nd minute.
“It’s good to see him on the field,” Klopas said. I was just happy for him that he’s back playing. He’s been through a lot, so it was good for him to get 60 minutes in there. I know he was sore. I wish he could’ve played 90, but we’ve got to be smart.”
Klopas confident in Anibaba, Gargan
Dan Gargan started 15 of the first 16 games of the season at right back, but recently, Klopas has opted to start Jalil Anibaba.
Gargan has only started twice in the Fire’s last six games, when Arne Friedrich and Gonzalo Segares were suspended for a game apiece.
“Before [Sherjill MacDonald] was in and before [Alvaro Fernandez] was in, I think we were undersized a lot in set pieces,” Klopas said. “Dan is an experienced player, Jalil brings us a little bit of that element where we match up better in set pieces, but I trust both players.”
