BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – Despite what amounted to some tough odds to be Montreal without the likes of Patrick Nyarko and Mike Magee, the Fire found a way to a win in Saturday’s 2-1 home victory over the Impact.
Nyarko continues to suffer from concussion symptoms following a collision with James Riley in last Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup semifinal defeat to D.C. United while a right calf strain kept Magee out of Saturday’s win.
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While getting a big three points without the pair was a positive thing, there’s little doubt that the team is better with Nyarko and Magee in the lineup. While Magee could be returning this weekend, things aren’t as clear with Nyarko’s status.
“With Mike, we’re hoping for him to get out here tomorrow,” said Fire head coach Frank Klopas. “We’ll have a better idea [of his status] tomorrow.”
“[With Patrick] we don’t know yet. He’s [being evaluated] day-by-day – it hasn’t changed. Right now I think they’re just doing some tests to see. There is protocol with the league so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.”
Asked if there was still hope that Nyarko could return for Saturday’s six-pointer at New England, Klopas said, “There’s always hope but you never know. As the days go by, those chances get slimmer. Over the next couple days, if he’s not out training it’ll be very difficult for him.”
Duka, Rolfe Look to be back Saturday
While both played a part, neither Dilly Duka or Chris Rolfe played the full 90 minutes in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Montreal.
After scoring what turned out to be the game winner in the 23rd minute, Duka came off in the 71st having tweaked his ankle following a tackle from Impact midfielder Felipe.
“I think Dilly’s okay,” said Klopas. “He jogged today, he has a lot of swelling in his ankle but there’s no structural damage. He should be able to join the group tomorrow.”
Meanwhile with Rolfe carrying a knock and the team capping a three-game in eight-day stretch, Klopas chose to bring the veteran forward off the bench Saturday.
The seven-year Fire player replaced the injured Duka and made a game-saving goal-line clearance off a header from Impact defender Matteo Ferrari in the 93rd minute.
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“Chris has been dealing with some hamstring tendinitis,” Klopas said. “He’s played a lot of games and we just have to be smart with him.”
Rolfe trained in full with the first team Tuesday and seems he'll be available from the start Saturday at New England.
