Jeff Larentowicz knows what it takes to take a team from the cusp of a playoff elimination to winning a trophy and the midfielder will be hoping to repeat that feat again now with the Chicago Fire.
Larentowicz tasted MLS success in 2010 with the Colorado Rapids, and the 30-year old looks set to be an important part of Chicago’s plans of repeating that achievement with the Fire this season.
The hard-working midfielder has been a key part of the Fire’s team this season, replacing Logan Pause as on-field captain since the beginning of the MLS campaign.
While Larentowicz does not bring the same type of captaincy Pause did, the midfielder has brought a level of calm to a team that currently finds themselves two points away from the fifth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference – and a chance to win the MLS Cup.
Fire head coach, Frank Klopas, has admitted Larentowicz is the type of captain who prefers to lead by example rather than being the vocal type.
“I think he leads by example, where every day, his attitude is fantastic in training, and he’s a winner. The guy leaves everything on the field for the team. He’s just a great team player with a lot of experience in this league, international experience, so that part is good,” admitted Klopas.
The form of Mike Magee has given Chicago fans genuine belief that, if they can defy the Betfair odds and sneak into the playoffs, then anything could be possible for the Fire during the postseason.
However, while it may be the striker grabbing all the headlines, Chicago fans are well aware that Larentowicz has been one of the main reasons behind the club turning their season around after a disappointing start.