CHICAGO, IL–Chicago Fire FC formally announced on Monday roster decisions for nine players at the conclusion of the 2021 season which ended with a 2-0 loss to Columbus Crew SC on Sunday. It had been earlier reported that nine players were told in advance of Sunday’s match that they would not be returning in 2022, but subsequent reports of a potential “mutiny” were later debunked.
Forward Robert Beric; midfielders Elliot Collier, Alvaro Medran, and Luka Stojanovic; dfenders Francisco Calvo and Nick Slonina; and goalkeeper Kenneth Kronholm all had their options declined for 2022. Additionally, defender Johan Kappelhof and goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth are out of contract and are eligible for free agency.
Some moves were not unexpected such as Beric was jarringly inconsistent in front of goal in 2021 and his departure opens up a DP slot. Calvo made just one appearance since August and was more noted for his mistakes in the back. Medran was not going to get DP money with his season.
The departure of Stojanovic will be a head-scratcher for some as he was co-leader on the club in goals with eight with Beric, but interim coach Frank Klopas admittedly said that the formation the club was playing made it difficult to get Stojanovic minutes on a consistent basis.
Look for the Fire to try and sign a backup to Gabriel Slonina who came into his own in the second half of the season after the departures of Kronholm (who hadn’t played since mid-2020) and Shuttleworth unless the plans end up being for Chris Brady to take the #2-keeper role.
Yet to be determined is the fate of DP Gaston Gimenez. The club has an option on him for 2022. Ignacio Aliseda is signed through 2022.
Chicago Fire
Eastern Conference
