These strikers may not take field for opener

As the MLS season opener nears, the likelihood that the players will strike seems to be increasing.

The collective-bargaining agreement between the league and the MLS players union expired last month, and the union has threatened to strike at the start of the season if no new CBA is reached.

Talks don't seem to be going well.

Philadelphia is scheduled to play March 25 at Seattle, with the Fire opening New York's new stadium two days later.

"I know that it hasn't gone the way that we would've liked, but you can always hold out hope that something happens this week," Fire veteran Brian McBride said after Tuesday's practice at the MAX in McCook.

The Fire's union representatives - midfielders Logan Pause and John Thorrington - missed practice Monday and Tuesday to fly to Washington to join the CBA negotiations.

"I haven't heard from them yet," McBride said. "I'm sure they'll be back with some news (Wednesday)."

"When they left it wasn't good," veteran defender C.J. Brown added. "So right now we're hoping this week is a big change for (the league) and they at least consider some of our proposal."

The main sticking point appears to be the players' freedom of movement within the single-entity league.

"Players want to be able to have the freedom to, if they're out of a job, to be able to go to somebody else and say, 'Hey, would you like to give me a job?' instead of waiting and seeing if something can be negotiated between the two clubs," McBride said.

"There's no reason they can't come up with something," Brown said of the league. "We're not asking for the world. And hopefully they look at it as we're serious, because I think everybody is pretty serious about it.

"Hopefully Logan and John will come back and tell us something good, because I know guys don't want to strike. They want to play."

Still tinkering: Although the Fire is down to the league-maximum 24 players, it doesn't mean the roster is set.

Deris Umanzor started at left back in Thursday's preseason exhibition match against the Houston Dynamo and still could sign with the team. Umanzor went home to El Salvador after that match instead of coming to Chicago.

"We need to strengthen the team," Fire coach Carlos de los Cobos said.

If Umanzor signs, Krzysztof Krol, acquired during the off-season to play on the left, could move inside. That would allow Wilman Conde to move to defensive midfielder in a 4-1-4-1 formation the new coach favors.

Otherwise the team will revert to the more common 4-4-2.

"I need to adapt my ideas to the characteristics of the players," de los Cobos said.

The difference between Krol and Umanzor is speed, de los Cobos said. "We need more speed for the sides."

Umanzor might not be the final acquisition. A midfielder or a center back could be acquired, de los Cobos said.

"Why El Salvador?" de los Cobos, the former El Salvador national team coach, asked rhetorically. "They are players that can adapt to the salary of this league. They are very competitive.

"I know very good, these players. They have many matches with the national team from El Salvador, and they're qualified. They are proven and they are very competitive players."

If the Fire signs Umanzor, the team would have to waive a player. Midfielder Mike Banner could be on the bubble.

Healing Bone: Midfielder Corben Bone said he's day to day in his return from a knee injury that forced him to miss the team's preseason trip to Mexico and Mississippi.

"It feels good to be back with the guys," said the first-round draft pick from Wake Forest, before being jokingly heckled by goalkeeper Jon Busch.

"That was the big thing for me was being away for so long by myself, away from the team that I just got acquainted with. It feels good that they're back and I'm with them and getting to do drills and stuff."

A big-time striker: The last time Collins John was in Chicago was as a Fire trialist. Now he's got the contract he sought, or at least a contract he's happy with.

John admitted negotiations with the team almost fell apart.

"That's football, you know?" he asked.

John, a veteran at 24, scored 3 goals in six preseason games and generally looked dangerous up front.

"I think I had a great preseason actually," he said. "Hopefully this 2010 is going to be a good season for me. I'm happy the Chicago Fire gave me a chance to do that."

Coming attractions: The Fire's scrimmage against Notre Dame on Saturday is closed to the media but open to Section 8 Chicago ticketholders and prospective ticketholders.

The Fire will host its annual kickoff luncheon March 24 at the Swissotel Chicago. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.

Change in the booth: Fred Huebner will not be back as the Fire's television play-by-play man on Channel 50 broadcasts. No word yet on a replacement.