Fire inks Ecuadorean star striker Juan Luis Anangono
BY SETH GRUEN For Sun-Times Media July 22, 2013 9:36PM
The acquisition of striker Juan Luis Anangonó adds depth to the front line.
Updated: August 24, 2013 6:35AM
Historically, the Fire has signed international players to make an instant impact. On Monday, though, the team proved to be a little more forward-thinking.
A Major League Soccer source told the Sun-Times the Fire has agreed to terms with 24-year-old Ecuadorean Juan Luis Anangonó, a signing focused on having a long-term impact on the club’s attacking four.
The club was expected to sign a player this week after announcing Saturday that it was in contract negotiations with a young, attacking player.
Anangonó already has arrived in Chicago, is scheduled to have his physical and might train with the Fire as early as Tuesday, according to the source.
It’s quite possible that Anangonó, part of Ecuador’s national-team player pool, could have an impact on the Fire’s playoff run. During his young career, he has shown an ability to score goals consistently.
But considering his age and the good form of current strikers Mike Magee and Chris Rolfe, it would be premature to ordain him the missing piece to a deep playoff run this
season.
Anangonó does have a similar profile to strikers who have had success in MLS. At 6-1, he has the type of athleticism that makes him an asset on set pieces and on the counterattack.
The Fire is likely to sign additional players before the closing of the summer transfer window on Aug. 8.
The club has been vocal about its desire to add depth to its lineup.
