Bava needs to improve to help Fire to playoffs
Looking to improve defensively, the Chicago Fire went out last off-season and signed Uruguayan goalkeeper Jorge Bava.
The early returns haven't made the case for the 35-year-old to get too comfortable in Chicago, however. He is signed to a one-year contract with club options for 2018 and 2019.
Bava has looked unsteady at times. He is not as athletic as most MLS goalkeepers, as if perhaps age is catching up with him. His distribution, thought to be a strength, has been inaccurate too often.
"I think he's still adjusting," Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez said Wednesday. "I think he's still adjusting to the team. I think the team is still adjusting to him. We would've hoped for a faster adjustment given his experience."
Bava has started each of the first eight games this season for the Fire, allowing 12 goals. Ten of those goals came in four road games. The Fire will look for its first road victory of the season Saturday at the Los Angeles Galaxy (9:30 p.m., Comcast SportsNet).
Comparisons with longtime goalkeeper Sean Johnson are a waste of time. After seven difficult seasons and just one playoff game, Johnson needed a change of scenery. His trade to New York City FC, via Atlanta United, was best for the player and the club.
The only question is whether Bava - who will be paid $267,133.34 guaranteed compensation, according to MLS Players Union figures - will improve enough to help the Fire (3-3-2, 11 points) reach the playoffs for the first time since 2012.
"He's working diligently to learn the language," Rodriguez said. "But I have to recognize that I think there are some stumblings as a result of that. But we're satisfied with his effort. We're satisfied with his professionalism. We still believe in his qualities, but he has not yet shown all of his qualities."
Fire coach Veljko Paunovic agreed with Rodriguez's assessment.
"I think Jorge's still going through the period of adaptation," Paunovic said. "To the league, to the country, to the club and the culture that we are building here. Obviously, he had good games, games where he could probably perform better, but we believe that he is giving his best, which is the first requirement to be on our team. We look forward to see his progression."
Bava said he's content with his performance so far and is comfortable with the team.
"It's been great overall," the Spanish-speaking Bava said through a team translator. "The beginning was just getting used to the league, the players, the rivals, the coaches. But they've been accommodating, and it's been quick. It was just the initial part where I've been getting used to it, but now it's good."
Paunovic's frequently cited philosophy of having an open competition at each spot from week to week hasn't resulted in playing time for backups Matt Lampson, who started 11 games last year, or rookie Stefan Cleveland. If Paunovic has given any thought to giving Lampson a chance in goal this season, he isn't saying, declining to answer the question.
The Fire isn't likely to bring in a new starter this season, Rodriguez added. MLS teams have until Monday to trade players within MLS and to sign a player under contract in another country before the primary transfer window closes. The secondary transfer window opens July 10.
"I think goalkeeper is a difficult position to change within the year, I think," he said. " I don't anticipate any changes in our goalkeeping group. We're not looking for a change in the goalkeeping group. We just need improvement."