Collins John will be the first to tell you his season has been a disappointment. The 24-year-old Dutch forward has struggled to score, struggled to stay in the team and struggled with injuries in his first season with the Fire.
“It’s been a frustrating season for me so far,” John told MLSsoccer.com Sunday night. “I scored my first goal in the second game of the season and, after that, I was in and out of the team and I was kind of frustrated.”
WATCH: John doubles CHI lead in LA
John is hoping that he put an end to his frustrations, when he scored a goal and played a key role in both of the Fire’s other tallies in the team’s 3-2 win at LA. The match was John’s first league appearance since he was sidelined with a gastrointestinal disorder in June.
“Of course I was out for quite a while with a couple of injuries,” he said, “but to come back in the team and play LA away from home, score a goal, win the game and get three points back to Chicago is a good feeling. I know it’s kind of late, but hopefully I can start my season with this confident roll I’m on.”
The thoughtful striker chalked part of his solid performance up to Chicago head coach Carlos de los Cobos’ continued confidence in him.
“To be honest with you, I spoke to coach and he still has a lot of confidence in me and I think that kind of paid off today,” John said.
Now John is hoping De los Cobos will keep him in the team for this Sunday’s match against the New York Red Bulls.
“This Sunday is going to be another exciting game,” he said. “Hopefully I can stay fit and keep my place in the team.”
Sam Stejskal covers the Chicago Fire for MLSsoccer.com. Email him at sam.h.stejskal@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @samstejskal.
