My fave formation generally is the daimond 4-1-2-1-2...but...I also like the 3cb thing. Every case for me though I prefer a 2 striker formation.
Updated Fire Roster posted by MIR97. Excellent explanation about it-best yet! As I suspected , Senior Roster spots available for Lewy and return of Franco. Franco is now on short-term injury status, can be re-activated after missing 6 league matches. Not sure if the count started at beginning of season or if it starts now. If now,he would miss the next 6 matches at a minimum. Regarding international slots- Fire currently need 13. They have 8 of their own, have “rented” 4 for the year and apparently need one for Lewy. Knowing how GGG operates, I assume that problem has already been solved. When Franco returns, another international slot will be needed. No information provided regarding salary budget charge compliance or currently available GAM, if any. Excellent job MIR97!
Some smoke about Cuypers from local Monterrey sports radio: Translated from Spanish RAYADOS GOING FOR TWO MORE ATTACK REINFORCEMENTS! The albiazul board doesn't stop in the market and is looking to close two offensive signings to strengthen Matías Almeyda's squad heading into the Apertura 2026. Alexis Cuello (San Lorenzo) is one of the names gaining the most traction in negotiations, while Hugo Cuypers (Chicago Fire) also appears among the options Monterrey is analyzing to bolster its attack. Alexis Cuello in his last tournament with San Lorenzo, in 16 matches, scored 4 goals and provided 3 assists. Hugo Cuypers from Chicago Fire participated in 11 matches, 13 goals and one assist. 🚨 ¡RAYADOS VA POR DOS REFUERZOS MÁS EN EL ATAQUE! 🔥⚪🔵La directiva albiazul no se detiene en el mercado y busca cerrar dos incorporaciones ofensivas para fortalecer el plantel de Matías Almeyda rumbo al Apertura 2026.Alexis Cuello (San Lorenzo) es uno de los nombres que… pic.twitter.com/7o4xpDGVOj— RG La Deportiva (@rg690) July 13, 2026
I did some further checking on international/green card situation. According to one source, the regular rule gives teams credit for a green card once final interview has been conducted (not scheduled), or waived,
Tim H. reported nothing to see here, move on. Reports that there are "advanced" talks to move Hugo Cuypers to CF Monterrey are false.Early in 2026, Fire were sending out feelers striker's value on transfer market, including discussions in MLS and abroad.No negotiations happening between clubs now. #cf97 #VamosFire pic.twitter.com/Ht3IxXbunr— Tim Hotze (@sing_electric) July 14, 2026
Thinking about the best XI and tomorrow night's restart to the season...and a likely 4-4-2 With MHS & Puso on the bench, I'm anxious to see Bamba's form & effort...needs to look like a DP. But it's the CMs that will be telling of how things will go...or need to be improved to make a run for hardware. Regarding Franco, I'm of the mindset that anything we get from him this season will be 'bonus' and should not be 'expected'...but would influence potential changes made to improve CM play.
If this is the lineup trotted out I will be very pleased. Trying to decide if I need to move beer cheat day from Saturday to Thursday?
I am not expecting to see Lewy start tomorrow but yay if he does! I expect at most a late cameo for the crowd is all.
With as long as we have been off, chemistry isn’t much of a factor…think about the frequency Lod seemed lost as a second striker. Guess you could play MHS, but I’d want him for a short leash Bamba sub. So…Let Lewy choose…wannna start and tell me when or sub in as we see how things are going? My gut is, if TMueller is starting Lewy will start VAMOS!!! Bonus, we should be looking at this game as a springboard! Vancouver is a top team in the whole league…beat them at home with our new DP…make a statement...LFG!
He had better start on 1 August. My Polish better half and two of our friends (one the biggest Lewandowski fan I know) will be there. I have tickets above the Fire players' tunnel.
Tomorrow's match is ripe for the taking... #MLS player status report.#VWFC Sebastian Berhalter - Not Due to Injury (Out)Kenji Cabrera - Foot (Out)Belal Halbouni - Knee (Out)Ralph Priso - Hamstring (Out)Cheikh Sabaly - Hamstring (Out)Emmanuel Sabbi - Groin (Out)#CF97André Franco – Lower Body (Out)#CHIvVAN pic.twitter.com/D6T33o3sQ5— Har Journalist (@HarJournalist) July 16, 2026
About that needed International roster spot: FC Cincinnati acquire $350,000 in 2026 GAM from Chicago Fire FC | FC Cincinnati https://share.google/OEcTT5m58RoKzabCd
Ok. $350k to Cincinnati for Lewy. That should use up any remaining GAM. That makes a total of $1,550,000 spent for 4 international slots for 2026 season. And, I believe they will need another one when Franco is re-activated. That’s a lot. And no good prospects for green cards, I think.
Agreed, but expect a departure would occur if Franco is going to play...if not a sell, a buyout may be better than using GAM that doesn't expire. Side note, I'm surprised to see us report him as out...I mean, is he rostered as of the break???
Recent post (MIR?) said he was now on short-term injured reserve. See post #2332. I think they have room to re-activate him without a departure.