BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – Fire defender Dan Gargan doesn’t want his time in Chicago to come to an end.
Gargan, who the Fire picked up in a July trade with Toronto FC, told reporters after Saturday’s season-ending win over Columbus that he hopes Chicago picks up his option for next year so that he can stay at Toyota Park.
“I would love to be back here,” Gargan said. “I have one year left that’s an option for them. Obviously at the end of the season things need to be evaluated and decisions are made and I think that we’ll look for that in the next few weeks.”
Gargan played nine games with Chicago, all starts. He did a solid job at right back, playing stand-up defense and getting forward for a lone goal. His addition allowed rookie defender Jalil Anibaba to move from the right to his more natural position of center back, where, paired with backline anchor Cory Gibbs, he excelled.
Gargan was also a stabilizing presence in the locker room. The 28-year-old was an important veteran voice for what was a rather young team, helping players like Gibbs and captain Logan Pause with some of the leadership responsibilities.
More importantly, Gargan feels like he’s finally found a home. The MLS journeyman clearly loves Chicago’s team dynamic saying that contrary to some of the clubs he’s played with, this Fire group “feels like a team.”
“It feels right,” he said. “I think it’s a good thing that we have here.”
Sam Stejskal covers the Chicago Fire for MLSsoccer.com. E-mail him at sam.h.stejskal@gmail.com
