Chicago Fire coach enjoys challenge of ending losing streak

Some coaches would want to ignore a long winless streak. Chicago Fire coach Veljko Paunovic is confronting it head-on.

The Fire hasn't won a MLS road game since a 1-0 victory at New England on July 12, 2014, a streak of 26 road wins and ties.

“We had a meeting about it and we are very excited about it actually,” said the typically upbeat first-year coach, who picked up his first MLS win at home last Saturday against Philadelphia. “For us it's a challenge. In every game on the road we can beat that negative record, and the next game is the most important game. That's our opportunity.”

A loss or tie in Sunday's nationally televised game at Yankee Stadium against New York City FC (6 p.m., FoxSports1) will give the Fire an unwanted share of the league record, 27 straight road games without a win, set by the New York Red Bulls of 2008-2009.

Looking good:

MLS named Fire central defender Johan Kappelhof to its team of the week for his performance against Philadelphia, a sign the Dutch import is making himself comfortable here quickly.

“I think Johan is doing great,” Paunovic said. “He's a great guy like all the guys that we have in our locker room. ... He's trying very hard to adapt and adjust to this league and to the country, which is to him, in his words, great. We have to understand that Johan is coming from playing a long season behind him in Holland so we have to manage that not only on the fitness level but also emotionally.”

Paunovic cut Kappelhof loose from Thursday's training session a little early just to get him a little extra rest.

“I feel OK, because the season in Holland is still playing,” Kappelhof said. “I think it's going to be hard maybe after July. Normally the season ends in May. After that maybe I'm going to get tired, but for now I feel good. I already played a lot of games in Holland, maybe 30 games, so of course we have to be smart in trainings and just communicate good.”

Ready for his turn:

If Paunovic decides Kappelhof is ready for a break sooner rather than later, veteran defender Eric Gehrig is eager to see some action.

Gehrig's 2015 season ended early because of a severe foot injury that required surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation. In his first competitive game in sixth months, he played 55 minutes last week for Saint Louis FC and says he's ready to go for his hometown team now.

“If I had to I could have played 90, but we stuck to the plan,” Gehrig said. “... I felt really good. To be honest it was a success.”

Gehrig would love to make his MLS debut Sunday, but he knows he might have to be patient.

“I'm definitely available for selection,” he said. “I'm just going to keep working hard. The team's coming off back-to-back shutouts and everyone's feeling good. I get it. Of course I want to be out there and picking right up where I left off as far as being with the guys, but I know it takes time and if my number is called, I'll be ready to go.”

Accam update:

Speedy midfielder David Accam could make his return from a knee strain Sunday night. Or he might not.

“He's improving very well,” Paunovic said. “We're very happy. Still, we're not ready to tell if he will be good to go for the game on Sunday, which we think is going to be difficult, but we're working on that. Even to have him on the bench will be good for him and for us.”

Accam worked with his teammates for the start of Thursday's session, then worked on the side of the team practice field with a trainer for most of the session.

A new look:

The Fire lost to NYCFC 4-3 in the season opener. Both teams are looking better since then.

“I think we've improved,” said Paunovic, adding the team is very motivated for the game. “We've improved in everything. We've improved in our style, we've improved in our fitness.”

Still shut out:

Fire striker Gilberto has yet to score this season, a fact not lost on Paunovic.

“We manage that too, because we know that strikers, they have that special relation with the goal and with scoring,” Paunovic said. “We want to tell him that we are confident and the goals will come.”