Chicago Fire Homegrown rookie Joey Calistri has found himself in a few different positions during his first preseason as a professional. On Wednesday, he twice found himself in a very familiar position: in front of goal with the ball at his feet.
Calistri made a name for himself by scoring 30 goals in four seasons as a starting forward for Northwestern University and averaging a goal every other game playing for the Chicago Fire PDL. But his first on-field opportunities for the Fire first team came as a right back in each of the the club's first three preseason friendlies this month. The last two outings, however, have seen Calistri moved to the left wing in Veljko Paunovic’s 4-2-3-1 formation, from which Calistri has been continuously involved in the Fire attack.
The Deerfield, Ill. native tallied twice in the first half against Minnesota United FC, each time displaying composure on the ball, picking his target and finishing with precision. He capitalized on his first opportunity in the 24th minute:
And again 11 minutes later:
Both goals were the results of true team efforts, with outside backs Michael Harrington and Brandon Vincent featuring prominently in the attacking action to help set up Calistri's strikes. Calistri also came close to opening the scoring in the fourth minute when he rose to meet a Vincent service in the penalty area, sending his header just wide of target.
“It’s a great feeling,” Calistri said after the Fire had finished off a 4-0 win over their NASL opposition. “For me, coming into preseason was just about working hard. To be rewarded with two goals is great but obviously the most important thing was the result today against Minnesota.”
Throughout the last two matches, Calistri has contributed his athleticism and skill on the flank to a Fire midfield that has executed Paunovic’s high press with aplomb, creating extra possessions and a short field for the Men In Red.
“Like we usually do, we wanted a high press, use our shape to make the field big and stretch the other team out and punish them when we get our chances,” Calistri said Wednesday. “I think for the most part, we were really good at that today.”
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There’s little doubt that versatility is an asset for any player breaking into the league, and Calistri is showing that he has it in spades.
“I’m very happy for him,” Paunovic said of Calistri, who along with fellow Homegrown Drew Conner ranks as Paunovic’s first signing as Chicago Fire head coach. “When someone scores a goal, I say that it’s the work of the team, they worked together to get it, but I’m happy for him to get two goals. He did very good not only in this game but in all the games he’s played, so we’re happy for him and his next step is to keep working and improving on his performance.”
