Hot Time In Old Town - All PostsTRADITION - HONOR - PASSIONhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50655/htiot-fav.png2023-01-20T10:49:29-06:00http://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/rss/current/2023-01-20T10:49:29-06:002023-01-20T10:49:29-06:00Water is Wet
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<figcaption>Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Firehose finally come for us</p> <p id="7j7GxE">In news that will shock absolutely no one, I have accomplished what no editor, not even Sean Spence, has done before. I have successfully killed Hot Time In Old Town. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We were informed today that the company is laying off around 7 percent of its workforce, and some of our members have been impacted. <br><br>We're furious at the way the company has approached these layoffs, and are currently discussing how to best serve those who just lost their jobs.</p>— VOX MEDIA UNION WON A FAIR CONTRACT (@vox_union) <a href="https://twitter.com/vox_union/status/1616462053782294534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2023</a>
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<p id="tCvXSV">That’s basically it. Currently, there are no plans to keep posting on the site. A decade of blood, sweat, and horrible football go quietly into the night, just like that. </p>
<p id="0MGpnd">To everyone who’s joined me on this decade-long journey, both as a fellow contributor or commenter or even a lurker who just reads our stuff, know that we love and appreciate you all.</p>
<p id="2EcHVr">Thank you to all the PR people from the Chicago Fire and Chicago Red Stars who I have both worked with and not had a chance to work with. </p>
<p id="B6ew7Z">The podcast will continue, as Vox Media does not own the rights to the Hot Cast. It will live on in legacy. </p>
<p id="27U8rh">If this is the end, Thank You. </p>
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https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2023/1/20/23564094/water-is-wet-chicago-fire-red-starsRuben Tisch2023-01-16T07:30:00-06:002023-01-16T07:30:00-06:00New Move on Monday: Jhon Durán sold to Aston Villa
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<figcaption>Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Chicago Fire’s Colombian wonderkid joins the English giants for a club-record fee.</p> <p id="JACquq">For the second time in just a few months, the <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com">Chicago Fire</a> have sold a teenage wonderkid to the Premier League for an eight-figure sum.</p>
<p id="0LHWCF">Not too long ago, that statement would have seemed like a very optimistic prediction, but with the official confirmation of Colombian forward Jhon Durán’s sale to <a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com">Aston Villa</a> for close to 20 million dollars, it is now a reality. Durán’s sale breaks Gaga Slonina’s record as the most expensive Fire sale in history, and it is also one of the most expensive outgoing transfers in the history of Major League Soccer.</p>
<p id="hqSz4N">Durán arrived in Chicago ahead of the 2022 season with high expectations; he had been previously called into Colombian youth national teams whilst at Envigado and was ranked amongst the top 2003 prospects in the world. It was clear that he was a very raw talent that had lots of work to do to fulfill his potential. Durán’s early months in MLS were difficult; the coaching staff persisted with a struggling Kacper Przybyłko, and when Durán did see the feel, his minutes were defined by silly fouls and cards. </p>
<p id="nm8jby">However, in the summer, something clicked for Durán after he was given the start up top against <a href="https://www.wakingthered.com">Toronto FC</a>. He scored a brace on that night and never looked back, racking up a further five goals down the stretch. Over the course of the season, he matured significantly, and his level climbed greatly. By the end of the year, he was a thrice-capped senior Colombian international with European scouts paying extremely close attention to his every move.</p>
<p id="unnjrl">It’s no surprise that Premier League clubs were interested following his breakout in 2022, and Aston Villa’s big-money swoop was a bid that the Fire simply couldn’t turn down. It also made sense for the player, as there is a clear pathway to a starting center-forward spot at Villa Park. Emiliano Buendia is currently deputizing up top alongside Olly Watkins in their 4-4-2, but the Villains have been in the market for a natural #9. Along with being coached by a serial winner like Unai Emery, Durán will have the opportunity to play alongside such household names as Emiliano Martínez, Philippe Coutinho, and Leon Bailey.</p>
<p id="WDWk9O">While it is unfortunate that we only got to see Durán in Chicago for one season, the Premier League is an exciting next step for such an exciting young player. We wish Jhon all the best with his new European adventure!</p>
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<cite>Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2023/1/16/23557029/new-move-on-monday-jhon-duran-sold-to-aston-villaAlex Calabrese2023-01-14T09:00:00-06:002023-01-14T09:00:00-06:00Fire secure depth pieces as preseason approaches
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<img alt="MLS: Chicago Fire at Inter Miami CF" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/j-quU5xhqHuasA37zCL_BKFBgqk=/304x0:3876x2381/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71865273/usa_today_17775660.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Fire made a few moves as preseason looms, while the Academy is also building for the future.</p> <p id="Ujvqau">The <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com">Chicago Fire</a>’s preseason kicks off tomorrow, and the team’s roster for the 2023 season is taking shape. A pair of new defensive reinforcements were brought in this week, and while neither will be starters, they fill holes in the squad and provide depth. While two were brought in, Stanislav Ivanov left the club by mutual consent and is now a free agent. There were also some new developments surrounding the Fire’s academy, including unveiling a new Academy Director, Gary Lewis. All of these topics will be covered in today’s Fire notebook.</p>
<h3 id="BckAHL">Signing #1: Jeff Gal</h3>
<p id="yuOEI8">The Fire’s third new signing of the offseason is a goalkeeper, Jeff Gal, who is a returning Chicagoland native, though he never played in the Fire system previously. Gal, born in Barlett, played for Sockers FC before playing in college at Creighton and Virginia. He moved overseas in 2016 and bounced around a number of Swedish clubs, most recently playing for Degerfors.</p>
<p id="1sysGf">Now 29, Gal is not someone who was clearly brought in to be the #1. It appears that the technical and coaching staff have faith in Chris Brady to be the starter this season, and handing the gloves to the exceptionally talented 18-year-old will be a decision that pays off big time. Gal is an experienced backup who will provide mentorship for Brady alongside Spencer Richey, who is also still under contract.</p>
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<h3 id="vtMjWT">Signing #2: Jonathan Dean</h3>
<p id="zcoHPX">The fourth signing of the offseason is one from a market that MLS clubs have not dipped into too much; USL. Dean was an all-league defender in the American second division for Birmingham Legion and one of the more highly rated fullbacks in the league. The 25-year-old was originally drafted by <a href="https://www.themaneland.com">Orlando City</a> in 2020 but was not signed and ended up playing three seasons in the lower leagues.</p>
<p id="VC9ubi">In contrast to Arnaud Souquet, the other right-back signing, who drops down a level from the French Ligue 1, Dean jumps up as he moves to MLS. It’s unlikely that he will be the starter at right back. However, he adds depth in a position that, one week ago, the Fire had zero players in. Dean could hopefully prove to be a hidden gem out of USL and challenge for a spot in the XI.</p>
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<h3 id="Hy8t5k">Stanislav Ivanov Departs</h3>
<p id="K88uV6">Yesterday, the Fire announced that Bulgarian winger Stanislav Ivanov had left the club by mutual consent. Though Ivanov arrived in Chicago with promise, his two seasons with the Fire were riddled with injuries, and he never made any sort of notable impact. Though the injuries were unfortunate, it's impossible not to add Ivanov to the growing list of failed Georg Heitz signings.</p>
<p id="ob2PA4">Ultimately, Ivanov earned just under $700,000 across two seasons (<a href="https://mlsplayers.org/resources/salary-guide">MLSPA</a>) in addition to the estimated $300,000 transfer fee (<a href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/stanislav-ivanov/profil/spieler/412537">Transfermarkt</a>). In exchange for that million dollars, Ivanov provided one goal and one assist. This will go down as very underwhelming business, especially considering the expectations that came with his TAM-based acquisition.</p>
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<img alt="MLS: International Friendly-Club Leon vs Chicago Fire FC" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dWuFt3s0OTSYdbJNlnkDYpjJPMY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24359546/usa_today_19110452.jpg">
<cite>Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="thOM87">Though things never worked out for him in Chicago, we wish Stani all the best with his next chapter, wherever that may be.</p>
<h3 id="wy7krr">Gary Lewis named Academy Director</h3>
<p id="BqV2LF">Shifting from the first team to the Academy, there has been change at the top. When <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2022/8/4/23287484/kindling-the-fire-inside-chicagos-talent-factory">Cédric Cattenoy</a> was moved to the first team staff last fall, the Fire looked for a replacement and appointed Gary Lewis as his successor. Lewis is an exciting hire for this position, and he has experience working with some very talented groups of players. Prior to moving to the United States, he coached at <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>.</p>
<p id="Ieg0xB">Lewis has found lots of success since jumping across the pond. He spent time at the <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com">Philadelphia Union</a>, now held as the gold standard among MLS academies, and played a role in the development of numerous players now in Europe, such as Brenden Aaronson, Mark McKenzie, and Paxten Aaronson. He then moved to Seattle, where his time with the academy saw the ascent of young homegrown talents like Obed Vargas and Reed Baker-Whiting. The Sounders won the GA Cup in 2022 following the work he did with that academy.</p>
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<cite>Chicago Fire FC</cite>
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<h3 id="7jAfDG">Chicago talents earn recognition with USYNT</h3>
<p id="SWFAgq">Lewis’ job will be made easier by the fact that talented players are coming out of Chicago more than ever before. The U.S. U-15 National Team, which is preparing for the CONCACAF U-15 Championship later this year, contains four Fire Academy products (though only two are still at the club). Christopher Cupps and Kruz Held are the two current Fire players who played in this camp. Gio Villa (<a href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com">Real Salt Lake</a>) and Marius Aiyenero (Club Torcy) were the two former Fire players.</p>
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<figcaption>The future of the USMNT is being made in Chicago!</figcaption>
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<p id="Zte2W4">Notably, Cupps captained the U.S. in their exhibition match during the camp. The center-back appears to be emerging as a leader for that supremely talented 08 team, which contains a number of the country’s top prospects such as Cavan Sullivan, Luca Moisa, and DeCarlo Guerra. It would be a tremendous accomplishment if the Chicago native goes on to wear the armband at the CONCACAF Championship for a team that is heavily favored to win the title. Cupps is likely the Fire’s top academy prospect at the moment, and he is definitely one to keep an eye on.</p>
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https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2023/1/14/23554574/fire-secure-depth-pieces-as-preseason-approachesAlex Calabrese2023-01-09T15:15:47-06:002023-01-09T15:15:47-06:00Who is Arnaud Souquet?
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<figcaption>Photo by John Berry/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Fire announced the signing of the 30-year-old right back.</p> <p id="p8NGvg">The <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com">Chicago Fire</a> revealed their second new offseason signing today, announcing the addition of French right-back Arnaud Souquet from Montpellier.</p>
<p id="FtQAos">Souquet arrives in Chicago on a free transfer, bringing a decade of European experience to the Fire dressing room. He has appeared 12 times this season in Ligue 1, though only three of his games were starts. Souquet has 4 goals and 6 assists during his three-and-a-half-year stay at Montpellier; previously, he played for Gent, Nice, and Dijon.</p>
<p id="uPqvDX">With starter Boris Sekulić and backup Jhon Espinoza leaving the club this winter, right-back was always going to be a huge priority for the Fire going into 2023. Souquet is primarily a right-back, though he has appeared on the left side this season as well as on the wing. Presumably, he’ll fit in as the starting right-back for the Fire, which was a vacant position coming into the year. Sekulić set a solid floor last season at the position, but Souquet will likely have a smaller impact on the salary cap and should hopefully play a bigger role in the attack.</p>
<p id="h6v7o5">Souquet’s defensive stats appear solid. Despite his limited minutes this year, he sits 4th among Ligue 1 defenders for defensive duels won per 90 with 12.15 and a success rate of 66.7%. However, his attacking numbers do not stand out. Souquet places 75th among French league defenders for average crosses per 90 (1.35) and only has an accuracy of 16.7%. His additional crossing, passing, and shooting stats do not stand out either, so he is not quite the attacking all-action fullback that many expected would be preferred to Sekulić. </p>
<p id="wbzTGG">Though Souquet brings a resumé with over 200 appearances in a top 5 league, he does not appear on paper to be the clear upgrade at right back that the Fire need. He has just over 350 minutes this season for a team that is battling relegation in Ligue 1. Regardless, his experience should be a valuable addition to a very young dressing room, and he might end up being a perfect fit to replace Sekulić.</p>
<p id="GzCL5M">Nonetheless, the Fire will still need to sign at least one more right back to ensure that the first team has a backup in that position, and it's very possible that Souquet doesn’t end up being the starter, depending on who the other right back is. It is a low-risk free transfer and could work out very well if Souquet finds his best form in MLS.</p>
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<cite>Photo by PASCAL GUYOT/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
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https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2023/1/9/23547076/who-is-arnaud-souquetAlex Calabrese2023-01-09T11:13:41-06:002023-01-09T11:13:41-06:00The 2023 Chicago Fire Depth Chart
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<img alt="SOCCER: SEP 03 MLS - Chicago Fire at Columbus Crew" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hvJr_a8aazoOzEi66PFeQ1mT0Jk=/0x0:3922x2615/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71844491/1242928351.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Graham Stokes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="X5e7mq">With the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">Transfer window</a> open, Hot Time has put together a rough depth chart of the Fire roster so we can track where the needs are and keep an up-to-date tab on the roster as it forms. It will be updated as the preseason and season goes on. </p>
<p id="tmNRAn"><strong>Update 1: </strong>1/11 The Fire sign Chicago local Jeff Gal from Degerfors IF in Sweden</p>
<p id="3bQnd1"><strong>Update 2: </strong>1/12 The Fire sign defender Jonathan Dean from Birmingham Legion in USL </p>
<p id="iDDvYs"><strong>Update 3</strong>: 1/15 The Fire and Stanislav Ivanov mutually agree to a release</p>
<p id="DYuhCA"><strong>Update 4:</strong> 1/16 The Fire sell <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2023/1/16/23557029/new-move-on-monday-jhon-duran-sold-to-aston-villa">Jhon Duran to English Premier League Aston Villa</a> for $18 Million US plus $4 Million in incentives</p>
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https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2023/1/9/23546683/the-2023-chicago-fire-depth-chartRuben Tisch2022-12-27T13:14:25-06:002022-12-27T13:14:25-06:00Who is Maren Haile-Selassie?
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<img alt="FC St. Gallen v Neuchatel Xamax FCS - Swiss Raiffeisen Super League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8K0NP6UuXiULGp1HZ62opS26NO0=/3x0:2805x1868/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71797041/1227872573.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Chicago Fire have their first signing of 2023.</p> <p id="ACkV0S">The <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com">Chicago Fire</a> have their first new player for 2023.</p>
<p id="LK62bq">In a move that has been brewing for the last several weeks, the Chicago Fire and their sister club FC Lugano completed the player swap that would send right back Jhan Espinoza to Switzerland and Maren Haile-Selassie to Chicago. Haile-Selassie comes to the club on loan with an option to buy for next season. </p>
<p id="PbHzTy">The 23-year-old comes to the Fire having a decent start to the season for Lugano. While he only has one goal on the stat sheet, he contributes in other ways that have him stand out as one of the better outside midfielders in the Swiss Super League. His 3 assists on the season put him 9th in the league and his assists per 90 minutes played of .39 put him 6th highest. He’s also top 10 in shots on target percentage at over 54%. He’s ready to take the next step in his career— The Fire and MLS will provide that for him. </p>
<p id="DgUAwt">Part of me likes this move. Towards the end of the season, the Fire attack looked overworked, especially on the left, where Chris Mueller played basically every minute without a ton of recovery time or rest. Haile-Selassie solves that issue. He can come in and push Mueller in training, potentially improving both players at a faster rate, while also providing some squad rotation without any major talent dropoff. I still expect Mueller to start the majority of games, but now I'm not so worried if he needs a rest or gets injured or suspended. </p>
<p id="Z8F6kH">On the other hand, while excitingly mediocre, Jhan Espinoza was the only true right back on the roster. If the Fire don’t replace him with someone equal or better, their defense, one of the best things about last year’s squad, is going to take a massive step back. I don’t care how good the CB paring is, having poor fullbacks is a death sentence in MLS. Georg Heitz and co. better have a plan for this, and it better work out. </p>
<p id="3z56vp">Here is the highlight of his goal this season. </p>
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https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2022/12/27/23528154/who-is-maren-haile-selassie-chicago-fire-cf97-luganoRuben Tisch2022-12-23T11:00:00-06:002022-12-23T11:00:00-06:00The Chicago Fire’s Transfer Window Wishlist
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<img alt="MLS: Atlanta United FC at Chicago Fire" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iLDWt_N1k6_QQ1AnU5XpO7Ra4Kg=/0x0:6192x4128/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71786955/usa_today_18810406.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="Oe9avY">The Christmas season is in full swing and so is the MLS offseason. After making some early moves at the end of 2022, the Chicago Fire are now in need of reinforcements ahead of the upcoming season. Let’s take a look at the positions that need filling, and some ideal candidates to fill those roles.</p>
<h2 id="ZfYtd5">1. A right back (or two)</h2>
<p id="9MjT4u">For the past three seasons, right back has not been a position of any concern for the Fire. Boris Sekulić had been a reliable, consistent presence, and he never missed any games through injury. However, his contract was not renewed at the end of 2022, so the Fire are not in desperate need of a starting right back, and ideally, it would be someone better suited to Ezra Hendrickson’s system than Sekulić was. Furthermore, last season’s backup, Jhon Espinoza, has been linked with a move to sister club Lugano. That would leave the first-team roster without any right backs at all.</p>
<p id="gWIv4L">Two natural options immediately come to mind. The first is Kyle Duncan, who was one of the league's better full-backs while playing with the New York Red Bulls in 2021. He spent the first half of 2022 in Belgium with Oostende but returned to New York on loan for the second half of the MLS season. It seems highly likely that he’ll be back in MLS in the new year, and luring him to Chicago could be a wise move.</p>
<p id="F2KQSi">The second is Bryan Reynolds, the once-highly rated right back prospect who set Roma back $10 million in 2021. Reynolds is currently on loan at Westerlo after failing to make any sort of impression for José Mourinho’s team, so a return to MLS seems logical. The Fire would have to go through the allocation order to sign him, and they are currently 3rd in that list and may need to trade up to #1.</p>
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<img alt="AS Roma v US Sassuolo - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CYdQ1gvff5vz1BccYptHOvwVeKg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24313020/1235233666.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Fabrizio Corradetti/LiveMedia/NurPhoto via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Bryan Reynolds for Roma</figcaption>
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<h2 id="uhG6Bv">2. A DP striker</h2>
<p id="h1w19P">If the rumor mill is to be believed, 18-year-old Colombian breakout star Jhon Durán won’t be in Chicago much longer, with clubs amongst the European elite knocking on his door. Thus, it would be no surprise to see the vacant third DP spot used on a top center forward to replace the wonderkid. During the 10-game winless run early in the 2022 season, it was the total lack of finishing ability from Kacper Przybyłko that ultimately cost the Fire points, and if Durán is to leave, a star striker needs to be introduced.</p>
<p id="KV8iGl">There are a number of strikers from overseas whose contracts are up in the next six months, and some are probably realistic. Longtime Colombian national team regular Luis Muriel is available, though he has had a rough start to the season with Atalanta in Serie A. Anthony “Choco” Lozano has also had a difficult year, but the Honduran striker from CF Cádiz in La Liga has quality and, with service, would be a good fit in MLS for a relatively low price. One more option, perhaps fantasizing a little bit more, is Olivier Giroud, France’s all-time leading goalscorer, whose contract is up this summer with AC Milan. It does seem like there’s a chance he’ll come to MLS at some point, and now 36, he could make that move sooner rather than later.</p>
<p id="b7El1E">However, the ideal realistic number nine signing would come not from Europe but from Mexico. Henry Martín has been having the best season of his career for Club América, and he could easily be a 20+ goal striker in MLS. Coming off of scoring at the World Cup for El Tri, Martín would not be cheap, but he would immediately be one of the best strikers in Major League Soccer and would likely be worth every penny. It would certainly be a far better signing than his compatriot, Raúl Jiménez, who has been linked with a move to MLS in the past but is over the hill at 31 and struggling to regain his level following a serious head injury in 2020.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Saudi Arabia v Mexico -World Cup" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BD02hhLZ9i0zdRsWkcMu0kD198A=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24313022/1245768679.jpg">
<cite>Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Henry Martín celebrates his World Cup goal against Saudi Arabia</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="FxIQv4">3. A Flashy U22 Winger</h2>
<p id="1fkVe5">The Fire have one U22 initiative slot open, and filling it with a strong contributor should be a priority. Other than Chris Mueller, the Fire haven’t been playing any actual wingers out wide and have resorted to playing number 10s (Brian Gutiérrez, Jairo Torres) and full-backs (Jonathan Bornstein, Jhon Espinoza) there just due to the lack of options on the roster. While some of those, particularly Gutiérrez, can do a job there since it gets more good players on the field, it would also be beneficial to have players in their best positions, whether that be Xherdan Shaqiri flipped out to the right, or another winger brought in for 2023.</p>
<p id="FpXqpm">A wishful possibility for this role is another struggling American abroad in need of a return to the States; Konrad de la Fuente. The La Masia product is in search of a new club after registration rules prevented him from getting much playing time at Olympiacos on loan, and now, Marseille will be looking to move him on. MLS appears to be a possible destination.</p>
<p id="Q8JPTG">Similarly, popular Mexican international Diego Lainez is also failing to get minutes at Braga in Portugal and would be a dream signing for MLS; still only 22 years old, he might be sold back to Europe in a year or two for a profit. Lainez could light up MLS with his dribbling ability, even if he has struggled to score goals over the last four years. Alternatively, there may also be some options in the South American market, in which Georg Heitz has been relatively successful in the past.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Malmo FF v Sporting Braga: Group D - UEFA Europa League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HVJ-Or_lOoS7OL-pd8D06yThmuM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24313023/1243045730.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Gaston Szerman/DeFodi Images via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Diego Lainez for Braga</figcaption>
</figure>
https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2022/12/23/23521148/the-chicago-fires-transfer-window-wishlistAlex Calabrese2022-12-21T13:26:19-06:002022-12-21T13:26:19-06:00The Hot Cast: The 2023 Schedule Show
<figure>
<img alt="New York City FC v Chicago Fire FC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ouF75Wn23Ygf76D5WUFP0XQvDWo=/0x0:4771x3181/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71779105/1416710130.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<aside id="fKxFm4"><div data-anthem-component="actionbox" data-anthem-component-data='{"title":"The Hot Cast Season 5 Episode 1","description":"Listen Here ","label":"Play Podcast","url":"https://anchor.fm/northlotpod/episodes/The-2023-Schedule-Show-e1siev7"}'></div></aside><p id="18LZU7">The 2023 schedule is out and that means the return of the Hot Cast! Ruben and RJ return to talk first about the last month or so of soccer. From the World Cup and Xherdan Shaqiri’s performances to the tragedy surrounding Grant Whal’s passing. Then they talk bout Jhan Duran’s situation. What clubs are coming for him, and where the best place for him to end up would be. After that, they transition into talking about the Fire’s schedule. What are the most interesting games? What’s the toughest stretch for the club? And is it an easy schedule or difficult? All of that and more on this schedule reveal edition of the Hot Cast. </p>
https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2022/12/21/23521206/the-hot-cast-the-2023-schedule-showRuben Tisch