Cary native called up to Chicago Fire roster

Drew Conner is seeing progress in his first season as a professional soccer player. His coaches also like what they've seen.

Loaned to Saint Louis FC in the USL just a few months after signing a homegrown contract with the Chicago Fire, the Cary native and University of Wisconsin product was recalled by the Fire last week. With the Fire short-handed due, at least in part, to injuries, Conner was listed as a substitute for Saturday's loss at Philadelphia.

"It's exciting. I was really happy when I got the call," he said.

Conner had a slow start in St. Louis but quickly worked his way into the starting lineup at attacking midfielder which "is a little more forward up the field than I usually play," he said. "I normally play holding or I'm a box-to-box guy. But I think it was a good experience playing there."

He isn't eligible to play for the Fire in Tuesday night's U.S. Open Cup match at Toyota Park against Columbus Crew because he played in the tournament for Saint Louis FC in a loss against Minnesota.

Injury report:

Arturo Alvarez (knee) and Deerfield resident Joey Calistri (ankle) iced their knocks during Saturday's training session, and Matt Polster sat out while continuing to go through the concussion protocol. None of them are likely to play Tuesday night.

Naperville native Patrick Doody, also loaned to Saint Louis FC, is with the team while he nurses hamstring injuries.

New midfielder Khaly Thiam did not train because of a leg injury suffered in Saturday's loss at Philadelphia, and David Accam left early to put ice on a shoulder. Fire coach Veljko Paunovic said he expects both to be ready to play Tuesday.

Only 17 players finished practice Saturday, but that includes newly signed forward Michael de Leeuw, who is not be eligible to play until July 9 at Toronto FC, and Conner, who can't play any Open Cup games for Chicago.

Chin up:

Veteran defender Michael Harrington said the coaches and players are staying positive despite having only two victories in 14 league games.

"We've got good character in our locker room," he said. "We had a conversation today just about keeping things positive and keeping things rolling in the right directions. Continue to train hard and try to figure this thing out."

Waiting game:

Brazilian striker Gilberto showed up at Toyota Park on Saturday in time to see some of his teammates after they trained. He remains on a personal leave from the Fire and is training on his own at the club's facilities.

Gilberto, the Fire's highest-paid player at $1.145 million this season, according to MLS Players Union figures, said he hopes something can be worked out soon. He is expected to be transferred to a club in Brazil.

Gilberto has not scored for the Fire this season.

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