BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – Logan Pause doesn't want to over-exert or re-injure himself, but his presence would certainly be welcome during Sunday's game against Chivas USA.
The Fire have exhausted almost every option at right back after Pause injured his quad just before the first game of the season, and fifth-option Wells Thompson would appear to be the starter if Pause isn't ready to go. Pause, who trained fully this week, wants to play.
“I'm getting there,” Pause said after Wednesday's training session. “I'm definitely still inching along, but I'm definitely at a point where I feel like I'm helping the team.”
Chicago have started three different players at right back this season after Pause injured his quad. Steven Kinney and Mike Videira suffered injuries and Jalil Anibaba sliding over to center back in the place of Arne Friedrich, who is out with a hamstring injury.
The Fire's injury report lists Videira as out with a concussion and Kinney as questionable with a quad strain.
Coach Frank Klopas didn't seem certain Pause would play on Sunday.
“His back was bothering him [during Wednesday's practice], and his hamstring, so we'll just have to see,” Klopas said. “I don't know. It's two days, then we'll just have to see how he reacts and feels after that.”
