New addition Luis Solignactook part in his first full training at Toyota Park Thursday morning ahead of Chicago's visit from Orlando City SC Sunday (3 p.m. | TICKETS), and afterward took some time to discuss his whirlwind last eight days.
“I had until (Wednesday) free to pack everything and bring it here,” he said. “It was a tough three days, but I’m ready now.”
Chicago acquired the 25-year-old Argentinian from Colorado on August 3, just prior to the close of the league’s 2016 summer transfer window. After receiving news of his move, Solignac had to quickly join up with the team prior to their Saturday matchup at Real Salt Lake.
More: August home dates begin with Sunday doubleheader
“I had a practice on Friday morning,” he said. “I flew straight from Colorado to Salt Lake, so I trained a little bit. But we didn’t do so much (since it was the day) before the game. The job is like this, so you have to get used (to it). Hopefully I get on track quickly.”
Solignac featured up top for a full 90 minutes in his first outing in a Fire shirt, a match that Chicago dropped, 3-1. Solignac -- who was cup-tied to Colorado and thus ineligible for selection Tuesday in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal -- had not played 90 minutes since an Open Cup match on June 29, so putting in a full shift was refreshing for the forward.
“It felt good to play 90 minutes again,” he said. “At first, I didn’t know any of the guys. It was hard at the beginning. I feel like I’m going to get on track pretty fast because the guys have been really good, so I look forward to playing again.”
As the final third of the MLS season kicks into full gear, getting to know his new teammates and fitting into the team's rhythm will be near the top of Solignac's to-do list. However, it turns out there’s at least one Fire player with which he already has some experience.
“With David (Accam), I know him from Helsingborg,” he said. “I played in Sweden also. I’m looking forward to playing with him. He’s a good player, so I think it’s good for me.”
Now, with his first full training session behind him and a match with Orlando City in front of him, Solignac’s immediate challenge is to embody the expectations that head coach Veljko Paunovic has imparted on him.
“Hard work, like everyone here,” he said. “Of course, scoring goals is the most important thing for me. Hopefully I can help score some goals and help the team to win, (give) a 100 percent effort.”
