Throughout 2016 preseason training, the Chicago Fire attack thrived thanks in no small part to the performance of an in-form Gilberto, whose physicality and combination play proved a handful for opposing MLS defenses.
It was more of the same for the Brazilian Designated Player in Sunday’s season-opener vs. New York City FC. Gilberto’s initial foray in behind the NYCFC back line came in just the second minute, when his speed and a clever step-over in the area brought him face to face with goalkeeper Josh Saunders.
It was far from the last time Gilberto would create a legitimate scoring chance for the Men In Red on Sunday, but unfortunately his shift was cut short when a calf strain prompted Veljko Paunovic to remove his first-choice striker at halftime.