MLS: 5 teams who could benefit from coronavirus layoff
3. Chicago Fire
Though not an official expansion team, the Chicago Fire could’ve fooled many. 2020 was to be a whole era of new things for the team, including much of the roster.
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With many players still being added to the squad in the weeks leading up to the season, several were unable to make their debuts over the first two weeks of the season due to visa issues that can take time to complete. While new DP forward Robert Beric was able to, others, like fellow DP Gaston Gimenez, only made his debut at the 63rd-minute mark of Week 2.
Additionally, DP winger Ignacio Aliseda from Argentina has yet to feature at all. Fellow newcomers Luka Stojanovic and Boris Sekulic only joined training after Week 2, just prior to the shutdown. Those aren’t even all the new faces head coach Raphael Wicky (new himself) had to integrate into this 2020 side.
Granted, their integrations are likely limited during this pandemic, but Chicago held their own in the opening weeks and a little extra preparation would likely help them when the league restarts.