When Robert Beric was the first Designated Player signed in Chicago Fire FC's transformational offseason, it was pretty straightforward: This dude scores goals.
Through just three games in his MLS career, that advertisement has rang true and much more. It's a good start.
Take his goal against the Seattle Sounders. This isn't quite the finish of a typical, in-the-box center forward that he's made his career off of. It starts with a high work-rate, great strength then some pace and trickery before getting to the finish.
It's moments like these, that he's shown time and time again in training, that make it an easy attacking gameplan for his teammates: Create as many chances for Beric as we can.
“We’re always trying to make sure he has the maximum scoring opportunities as possible," midfielder Alvaro Medran told reporters on a video conference via a translator. "He’s the one that’s going to score, so we’re doing our job on the field trying to get him the ball.”
“In Germany, [we have a name for] guys like him which means 'cold mouth,' because he’s so cold inside the box," goalkeeper Kenneth Kronholm added. "He doesn’t need many chances to score.”
Beric, 29, enjoyed a successful first decade of his career in Europe, scoring regularly in France's Ligue 1, the Austrian Bundesliga, his native Slovenia and more. He arrived in Chicago a proven goalscorer, a known commodity to his new coaching staff and front office. Since arriving, he's impressed those new bosses with his mentality and intangibles.
“He’s not a high maintenance guy, I’m very happy about that," head coach Raphael Wicky said. "I’m very happy how he integrated into the team, this is important. It’s all about the team, he’s the perfect example on and off the field.”
Beric will look to keep the good times rolling, after helping lead the Fire to a surprise win over Seattle, they have the chance to go top of Group B at the MLS is Back Tournament against the San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday (8 pm ET | FS1, TUDN, FOX Deportes, TSN, TVAS). Hopefully for the Fire, Beric will have a few chances.
“He has big qualities, he’s a typical No. 9 in and around the box," Wicky said. "Clinical, clean finisher. But he works a lot, that’s really nice.”
