The Fire may have begun the 2010 season with only 23 of 24 roster spots filled, but there was never much question as to who Carlos de los Cobos wanted for Chicago’s final spot.
The Mexican head coach indicated his desire to sign left back Deris Umanzor -- who played under de los Cobos on the Salvadoran national team -- as far back as mid-March. Now, a full three weeks later, it appears the Fire are finally close to signing their man.
The 30-year-old Umanzor trained with the Fire on Tuesday and, according to a source close to the situation, is only waiting on paperwork to clear before the league makes his signing official.
Umanzor, who wore No. 13 in training on Tuesday, would provide further cover for the Fire at left back. The club has already started two players on the left side of defense thus far this season, using Mike Banner against the Red Bulls and Krzysztof Król last week at the Colorado Rapids.
