The Fire have added a recognizable name to their back line. Making the move also required some MLS-specific gymnastics.
The club announced Monday it has acquired former U.S. national team defender Jonathan Bornstein.
Terms were not disclosed, but to acquire Bornstein the Fire traded $50,000 in 2020 Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) to Columbus for the No. 1 spot in the waiver order. That spot was then used to claim the 34-year-old defender, who has played professionally in the United States, Mexico, and most recently for Israel’s FC Maccabi Netanya.
“We began pursuing Jonathan back in January but, unfortunately, his insertion into the lineup made him too invaluable to his former club,” Fire president and general manager Nelson Rodrίguez said in a statement. “In addition to providing a steady presence and competition on the field, we believe Jonathan will be an excellent mentor for our younger players.”
At this point, the Fire can use all the help they can get.
Entering Tuesday’s Leagues Cup match at SeatGeek Stadium against Mexico’s Cruz Azul, the Fire’s season is at a tipping point. Winless in their last four league games, the Fire sit 10th in the Eastern Conference and are seven points out of a playoff spot, having played one more game than seventh-place New England.
The Fire’s previous two home games were especially frustrating. Facing last-place FC Cincinnati and 11th-place Columbus, the Fire only picked up one of a possible six points, missing a chance to gain ground in the race.
“Absolutely agreed,” coach Veljko Paunovic said after the 2-2 draw with Columbus.” Agreed with you, agreed with you, agreed with you. I think you guys got it so absolutely agreed. I think we are not doing a good job, but we are working every day. We are aware of that. We are working every day to fix it.”
The backline has been a source of concern all season for the Fire, and when he’s added to the roster, Bornstein will bring experience. He has 38 appearances for the U.S. national team, including two games in the 2010 World Cup and five in the 2009 Confederations Cup.
Bornstein is under contract with the Fire through the 2020 season with a team option for 2021 season. He is listed on the Fire’s 23-man roster for the Leagues Cup.
