Fire's Klopas sees progress in team's preseason work

Frank Klopas likes the way the Fire is progressing through the preseason.

He's also glad the season opener at New York is still three weeks away.

The Fire moved to the last leg of its preseason training on Thursday, traveling to Jackson, Miss., from Guadalajara, Mexico. The team will spend a week in Jackson before returning to Chicago to brave the rest of March.

"We've made a lot of progress, we're happy, but we've got a long ways to go," Klopas, the Fire's technical director, said from Mississippi.

The team is gradually getting used to new coach Carlos de los Cobos and the changes he's implementing, including formation and style of play changes, while new fitness coach Alvaro Briones is getting the team in shape for the season.

The Fire lost a friendly 2-0 to Atlas on Wednesday in Mexico, and it has upcoming exhibition matches scheduled with MLS rivals Houston and FC Dallas.

"That's going to be two good tests for us just to gauge where we are at this point," Klopas said.

European import Collins John remains on trial with the Fire, and Klopas was noncommittal on when the striker might sign with Chicago.

"He's done well," Klopas said of John, who has become a soccer nomad the past couple of years. "He's gotten along very well with the guys. He fits in."

First-round draft pick Corben Bone hasn't been able to fit in at all, having been sent to Chicago after a tackle from behind caused a strained knee ligament. The layoff is a setback for the rookie as he adjusts to professional soccer.

"He wanted to come but he's not able to train and kick a ball," Klopas said.