Jonathan Dean on Year 2 in Chicago, Fire vs. LA Galaxy

Jonathan Dean got his first 90-minute performance of the 2024 MLS season midweek in the Chicago Fire’s 1-1 draw against Orlando City at Soldier Field, swapping between the right and left back roles as the match dictated.

Dean began the match on the right side with three center backs and Andrew Gutman on his left. After Gutman went down with an injury and was removed in favor of Arnaud Souquet in the 12th minute, Dean was forced to the left back spot as the Fire had no available left-footed options to fill that spot and he did enough to help his side get a share of the points after conceding a disastrous goal in the fourth minute.

It’s been a long road back to the starting lineup for Dean after he made consecutive starts in March. He wasn’t content with the result but knew that it was still a performance he could build upon.

“Obviously, we wanted more from it, we got chances,” Dean told On Tap Sports Net. “That’s the thing, hopefully, we get it and start turning it around here and string in the results with the performance. And it felt good to get a full 90 under my belt for the first time this year. So keep working off of that.”

The match against Orlando — the side that originally selected Dean in the second round of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft — wasn’t the first time the former Central Florida Knights defender was forced into the left back spot for Chicago in 2024. It’s an adjustment for the naturally right-footed outside back, but he nearly created a moment of brilliance in the 75th minute when he hit a left-footed shot that flew inches wide of the net and nearly gave the Fire a 2-1 lead.

That’s not the type of chance would have taken in his first MLS season in 2024. He would’ve tried to lay the ball off to a teammate and eschewed the goal-scoring opportunity. This time, he trusted his gut and it nearly paid off.

“I saw it and thought, why not?”

That type of effort is helping him build his confidence at left back, a spot he may be occupying more frequently if Gutman’s injury is serious.

“It felt really good coming off. I thought it was gonna sneak in, maybe hit the post and get a little luck on my side there. But, you know, all in all it felt good. And that also builds confidence.”

The Fire went with three center backs alongside Dean, Gutman, and, later, Arnaud Souquet against Orlando. That formation has allowed Dean to attack more up the pitch as his side tries to cure its goal-scoring woes.

“When you have three center backs, it allows you to be a little more aggressive offensively because you have that cover that you normally wouldn't if it's just the two. so that gives the wing backs a little more freedom to be more risky offensively so you know that you know you don't have to make the 70-yard run by yourself. You have someone there to bail you out if you need it.”

Dean’s road to his second season in MLS wasn’t a conventional one. He made his league debut last year, four seasons after being drafted, and has continued to prove he can fulfill a role in this league. It wasn’t the dream that was presented on draft night but Dean believes it helped him grow as an individual.

“I wouldn't change it. I think ultimately, that helps me as a player, right? And even though it’s my second year here, I don't think we're satisfied either. You could ask [2018 second-round MLS SuperDraft pick] Tom [Barlow] as well, right? You know, it's one of those things that as pro athletes, you always want more. Being in a competitive environment, trying to be the best that you can be.”

On Tap Next: Chicago Fire vs. Los Angeles Galaxy

The Fire host the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday amid a nine-match winless streak in which they’ve only scored four goals. Chicago lost 3-0 (Gastón Giménez was sent off in the 27th minute) when it traveled to Carson, California in 2023 to take on its Western Conference opposition. The Fire are only seven points out of the Eastern Conference playoff spots despite their dreadful start to the season. Dean wants his side to try and build something after consecutive 1-1 draws.

“Keep working, staying together as a unit because the results will come, you know, with this team that we have, and just being together and sticking to it and keep working. Because we're out here every day and everybody's putting in the work. So, ultimately, for us, you know, we want to start doing that and rewarding not only us but the fans as well.”

Who: Chicago Fire vs Los Angeles Galaxy

Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

When: June 1, 2024. 7:30 p.m. CT

How to Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+

Follow @soccer_ontap on X for more Chicago Fire news and updates!