Fire’s Pantazopolous excited for tryout hopefuls
Now that he’s been there and done that, Pari Pantazopoulos can’t wait to do it again.
Last year the Mount Prospect resident went through the Chicago Fire’s open tryouts and was the only player in a group of more than 200 to earn an invitation to the club’s preseason training. Then he beat the odds again and came out of preseason training with a job.
As the Fire prepares to hold another round of open tryouts Friday and Saturday, Pantazopoulos still treasures the experience.
“I would love to go out there and see the guys there and give them some advice,” Pantazopoulos said of the tryouts to be held at the Bridgeview Sports Dome. “I’d wish the guys all the best of luck.”
What advice would Pantazopoulos, 23, give this year’s tryout hopefuls?
“Not think about anything,” he said. “I just went out there, didn’t know who was watching. I just did what I did best and played my game. I went out there and had fun.”
Last year he had only a few days to prepare to hit the road for preseason training. This year he has the whole off-season.
After taking a few weeks to rest and recuperate from his first MLS season, Pantazopoulos is three weeks into an off-season training program prescribed by Fire strength and conditioning coach Tony Jouaux, working out at Lifetime Fitness in Schaumburg. He also is playing indoor soccer with several pros, including Logan Pause, Patrick Nyarko and ex-Fire midfielder Baggio Husidic at Soccer City in Palatine, getting in shape for preseason training, which starts next month.
And this year he knows what to expect from preseason training and knows the guys he’ll be training with.
“I’m so excited to go out there and be with the team, the guys. They’re great guys,” Pantazopoulos said. “Last year was more nerve-wracking because I didn’t know anyone. Now I know.”
There are no guarantees he’ll have a roster spot again in 2012, of course. Coach Frank Klopas has said he’d like to add depth behind left back Gonzalo Segares, Pantazopoulos’ position. Pantazopoulos isn’t worrying about that.
“Once Jan. 17 comes our focus is on soccer. Just have fun. The coaches make the decision,” he said.
“Enjoy it while you’re there.”
Ÿ Follow Orrin Schwarz and his soccer reports on Twitter @orrinsoccer.