SAN JOSE, Calif. – Even as the Chicago Fire were in the midst of a classy 4-1 victory against the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday night to clinch a playoff berth and lay to rest questions brought up by their late-summer swoon, coach Veljko Paunovic’s squad was opening up new lines of inquiry.
Should 18-year-old midfielder Djordje Mihailovic see more time as the Fire try to chase down New York City FC and Atlanta United in the quest for a first-round playoff bye? Is recent signing Richard Sanchez, who made his MLS debut in beating the Quakes, putting pressure on incumbent goalkeeper Matt Lampson?