On the heels of a four-point week that has the Chicago Fire still in the hunt for a run to the postseason, members of the club on Monday received some deserved individual recognition.
MLS released its Team of the Week for Week 26, a group that features Chicago Fire midfielder Michael Stephens and forward David Accam. It is Accam’s second time being named to the team this season and Stephens’ first. Both went 90 minutes in a 3-2 win over New York Red Bulls and a 1-1 road draw against Orlando City SC.
Stephens commanded the midfield in both games, leading the Fire in passes both times. He completed 41 passes against New York and 54 against Orlando for an 84 percent success rate. Against the Red Bulls, he chested down a ball in the box to assist Patrick Nyarko -- earning Pass of the Week recognition from MLS Analyst Matthew Doyle -- and later fed Accam to set up Kennedy Igboananike’s second goal. Per WhoScored.com, Stephens completed six long balls against Orlando, the most of any Fire outfield player.
Accam has been a menace for the Fire lately on the left flank. He used his pace to get in behind the New York defense on Wednesday, took a lovely ball for Stephens and assisted Igboananike for the game-winning goal. The Ghanaian created eight chances in that game. Against Orlando, he chased down a pass from Razvan Cocis along the endline, cut into the box and beat goalkeeper Tally Hall at the near post with a beautiful strike.
Chicago will be back in action Saturday at Stade Saputo against Montreal Impact. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT on CSN Chicago.
