Jul 23, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Chicago Fire head coach Veljko Paunovic looks on before their game against the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

DC United: The latest designs & a new stadium name by Nathan Reynolds

Reactions from the Chicago Fire’s preseason match with Miami FC. Starting positions up for grabs, hints of an incoming trialist, and an injury update.

The Chicago Fire put on a show in Bradenton, Florida with a 5-2 victory over NASL representative Miami FC. It began with the Fire’s starters aggressive press leading to an early goal.

For a short time, Chicago Fire seemingly lost urgency until Miami managed to tie it up in the 38th minute. Then, Chicago’s offense sprung back to life, the first goal coming just before half-time in the 42nd minute. The Fire’s line-up at kick-off featured:

Here we go! Tonight's #cf97 starting XI: Bava; Peay, Kappelhof, Dekovic, Vincent; McCarty, Bronico; Goossens, Solignac, Johnson; MDL. — Chicago Fire (@ChicagoFire) February 19, 2017

Then in the second half, Coach Veljko Paunovic brought in an entirely new side:

46' Game on! Your second half XI: Cleveland; Harrington, Campbell, Meira, Doody; Juninho, Conner; Alvarez, Nikolic, Accam; Arshakyan. #cf97 — Chicago Fire (@ChicagoFire) February 20, 2017

More goals followed, ultimately seeing the Chicago Fire continue on their 2017 preseason unbeaten run. Here’s what we learned in the fourth game of the campaign:

1. Spots up for grabs

Arturo Alvarez is looking to lock down the right midfield starting spot, and his effort on Sunday backs up why he deserves it.

At defense, trialist Taylor Peay failed to impress at right back, while homegrown product Patrick Doody continued to make me wonder if he’s done enough to supplant Brandon Vincent at left back. Stefan Cleveland turned some heads with his half in net, as well.

2. New RB Trialist inbound

Ryan Taylor, an ex-EPL right back, is rumored to be coming in as a trialist. This is exciting news as #CF97 fans are welcome to any ideas at the position. A first team regular when healthy, free-kick specialist, and an occasional right midfielder, his versatility could reinforce a weak right side. At 32 years old, and averaging under fifteen games a season for the last three years, however, it remains to be seen how effective the former Newcastle United man can be.

3. Injury update

That was a fun game though and no one got hurt. It's the most you can ask for a preseason game. #cf97 — FireOnIce (@FireOnIceSoccer) February 20, 2017

While no one injuries occurred during the game, the broadcast did reveal surprising news about a recent Chicago Fire injury.

Announcer on the Fire preseason stream says goalkeeper Matt Lampson has an MCL strain. #cf97 — Danny Santaromita (@TheDanSanto) February 19, 2017

This leaves only recent SuperDraft pick Stefan Cleveland able to challenge for goalkeeper minutes for the rest of preseason. Besides Lampson and Matt Polster, though, the Chicago Fire have been relatively quiet on the injury front.

Highlights from the fourth preseason game against Miami FC, from the Chicago Fire’s webpage. Be sure to check out Drew Connor’s amazing run that led to the fifth Fire goal.

With the season opener on March 4th peaking over the horizon, and two games left on the schedule, the Chicago Fire look poised to finish the 2017 MLS Preseason strong.