Chicago Fire Notebook: Frank Klopas on Slow Start, Andrew Gutman Update, More

We are nearing an early crisis point with the Chicago Fire only six matches into the 2024 MLS Season.

Chicago sit 12th in the Eastern Conference table with five points and would be in a far worse position if Kellyn Acosta hadn’t scored a miraculous goal to secure the Fire’s only win of the season.

Fire head coach Frank Klopas is happy to have a home match this weekend as his group looks to turn things around after a dreadful performance in Atlanta on Easter.

“It's always good to be at home,” Klopas said during his weekly media availability. “Obviously, the start, six out of the four games were on the road. But we thought we should have got more than five points at this point, if you look at the games and how we dropped certain points.

“But I think those are opportunities for us to learn and grow. The last game, obviously, from the six that we played was one that I felt that we got in good spots but we're not dangerous in the final third with the ball.

“We were able to break lines and go backwards instead of being aggressive. I didn't feel we were as sharp. And now there's an opportunity here in a short week from being on the road and losing a game like that, we're looking forward to this game Saturday against a good team. We need to regroup quick, and I see the guys even from today, they're looking forward to this match and getting out on the field quick.”

No Andrew Gutman

Frank Klopas confirmed that Andrew Gutman won’t be available when the Fire face Houston over the weekend. The Fire’s starting left back hasn’t played since leaving the pitch with an injury minutes into the season opener and the team never provided an official timeline on his return. Saturday absence will mark Gutman’s sixth week away from competition for the Fire.

Laurence Wootton Loan

The Fire’s third round pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft finally signed his deal with Chicago’s first team this week and was immediately loaned to the USL Championship’s Indy Eleven for the remainder of the 2024 season. Wootton, 24, impressed the Fire’s coaching staff during the preseason.

“He's much older than some of the other younger guys that are coming out, so he was an experienced guy coming in,” said Frank Klopas. “He did really well in preseason and was someone we liked.

“I think it's important that we can loan him out, where he can get really good minutes and we can track him. He was just a guy that came in, fit right in, experienced guy, worked really hard. He's good on the ball, and good decision-making, intelligent soccer player.

“It's good that we're able to keep him. Obviously with our space right now nothing's available. To be able to loan him out where he can get really quality minutes and good competition is important, and we can track him.”

Fire II

Speaking of Wootton, Fire II will host Wootton’s Indy Eleven side in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup, which will take place on April 17. Fire II advanced to the third round after defeating USL League One’s Forward Madison 2-0.

Patrick Los Wins Award

Fire II’s 16-year-old goalkeeper Patrick Los was named MLS Next Pro’s Goalkeeper of the Month for March. Los has started each of Fire II’s regular season matches and helped his side secure wins in penalty kicks both times.

What’s On Tap Next?

The Fire host the Houston Dynamo at Soldier Field on Saturday. The match kicks off at 7:30 PM CT and will air on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+.