MLS Chicago Fire FC

Paunovic Ahead of #NYvCHI: "I Absolutely Believe in Our Guys"

Published on May 16, 2016 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


With three games left on the docket ahead of the June break for Copa America Centenario, the Chicago Fire are eager for every opportunity afforded them to see improvement in the table and in their play.

"I think all season we've been pretty organized defensively, I think we've done a good job, but we want to do more attacking than defending and that's the goal right now," said veteran defender Michael Harrington after the team's 2-0 loss to New England on the weekend. "We're still a new group, we're still working on our game, we're still trying to find ourselves and find our identity. But we have good players and I think once we find that and gel, start to win a few games, I think we can start to gain some momentum."

Head coach Veljko Paunovic reiterated Monday the commitment within his group as the Fire get set to close their three-game road trip Wednesday against the New York Red Bulls (6:30 p.m. CT, CSN Chicago Plus).

"Of course we know where we are standing, but for sure we will work hard, we will stay positive and improve," he told media members via teleconference. "I absolutely believe in our guys and I think they all believe that only working and staying together we can improve and get out [of our position]."

WATCH: #NEvCHI Postmatch Reaction

As was the case in New England, the Fire will be confronted Wednesday night by an opponent just as hungry for a positive result as the Men In Red; after back-to-back home victories and a road draw, the Red Bulls (3-7-1, 10 points) took a step backward Friday in a disheartening 2-0 loss to rival D.C. United. Three points for Chicago Wednesday would see them draw level on points with both the Red Bulls and Columbus Crew SC, with two games in hand on New York.

The Fire, who have yet to record multiple goals in a game since netting three in the March 6 opener, scored twice in their most recent trip to Red Bull Arena, a 3-2 loss on Sept. 11 of last season. That included a prototypical David Accam strike, and the Fire are hopeful that Accam can provide the same type of lift after seeing his first match action in two months on Saturday.

"David I think did very well, he helped the team a lot with his 1v1 incursions, especially because he committed so much from their defense," said Paunovic. "That means that David is coming back good at this point, we hope that he will be ready for the next games too."

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