Fire Sidebar(With Gallery:) The Return of Dax

BRIDGEVIEW, IL–Injuries have been the norm running around the Chicago Fire line up this season, but lately seeing players return back to the pitch and into the starting XI has been the biggest boost for the club.

Dax McCarty has been one that has been off the field for several games over the last couple of months and has since returned recently overcoming a hamstring injury. It has been a big lift for the Fre and has given the team more stability in the midfield. His efforts have shown it over the last few games and in the 1-1 draw with visiting New England Revolution at Toyota Park on Saturday night.

“It’s very important for the team to have Dax back,” Chicago Fire head coach Veljko Paunovic said. “I think its great and getting minutes for him and good to come back from the injury. I’m happy to see Dax’s leadership on the field and also helping Bastian (Schweinsteiger) grow with the way they play. It’s very important with his presence on the field for us. We just to get him back to the same level he was at some point last season. I think he will come through.”

The captain McCarty is working his way back into game shape and had played nearly 84 minutes in the match against New England before he was replaced by Brandt Bronico.

Schweinsteiger is aware of the importance of having teammate McCarty back on the field even though there have been some other players that could fill in for him. But the type of player and ability McCarty shows and gives Chicago more of an impact in the midfield.

“Having Dax McCarty back on the team is an advantage when our captain is on the field,” Schweinsteiger said. “But also the guys that stepped in Bronico or Mo Adams did really good. But, I’m personally really happy to see Dax on the field.”

Probably the best part of him back is what he can do on the pitch and how he does it.

“You know with Dax he understands the game and he’s very experienced,” Schweinsteiger added. “He’s a very good player in my eyes and you can see in every second in the game how important that he is for us.”

Dax McCarty was helpful leading the way for the ball going forward, which Schweinsteiger finished a goal in the 63rd minute off a pass from Aleksandar Katai.

The more healthy and comfortable McCarty gets over the coming games could be one of the meaningful ways to continue the Fire’s move up the standings if they keep getting positive results.