The Chicago Fire crashed out of the 2024 Leagues Cup rather unceremoniously, losing 3-1 to Liga MX side Deportivo Toluca on Thursday. Together with an earlier 2-1 defeat away to Sporting Kansas City, this meant that the Fire finished bottom of their group in the continental tournament.
The outcome shouldn’t be surprising, perhaps, when considering the lineups rolled out by manager Frank Klopas. Superstar striker Hugo Cuypers did not spend a minute on the pitch, reserve goalkeeper Spencer Richey played both matches in full, and several second team players were given playing time in the Leagues Cup. The tournament came at an all too important moment in the Fire’s MLS season, and it was never going to be a top priority for the club.
Amidst the lineup experimentation, one player stood out. Justin Reynolds, a fullback who has come through the Fire’s academy ranks, played the full 90 minutes of the match against Toluca and was arguably the Men in Red’s best player. His performance on the left flank posed the question of when, not if, he will become a full-time first team player.
Who is Justin Reynolds?
A Chicago native, Reynolds entered the Fire’s MLS NEXT academy as a boy. In 2021, playing for the u19 squad, Reynolds helped the Fire to an MLS NEXT national championship. He was duly rewarded with a homegrown contract the following year. Assigned to Fire II for 2022, Reynolds was solid in his first professional season. He cemented himself as a starter in 2023, as Fire II qualified for the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs for the first time.
This year, the talented defender has played just four professional matches, each in a different competition. He spent the first half of the calendar year on loan at Swiss Super League side Lugano, a sister club of the Fire. While Lugano marched to a 2nd place finish in the league, Reynolds made just one appearance before returning to his parent club. After one further outing with Fire II, the American finally made his senior team debut against Inter Miami in July, coming off the bench in the 86th minute.
Reynolds’ first start came in this week’s Leagues Cup match, two days short of his 20th birthday.
How Good is He?
While the American soccer world has seen very little of Reynolds, the signs are extremely promising. He was imposing on both sides of the pitch against Toluca, playing maturely and intelligently. It was just his second time playing under Klopas, yet Reynolds appeared to be the player who understood his role best.
One conclusion from the match was that Reynolds is tireless and pacy. He was constantly beating the opposition players to loose balls and he wasn’t afraid to make darting runs forward. In what was undoubtedly the highest-level match he’s ever played, the youngster lasted the full 90 minutes and looked like he could have gone on for another 90.
Defensively, Reynolds was committed to stopping every Toluca attack. On one particular occasion, he raced into the momentarily vacant center back position to make a crunching last-ditch tackle. He also read the Liga MX side’s build-up play with ease, making a number of pass interceptions. If it wasn’t for the stellar performances of Reynolds and goalkeeper Richey, Toluca could have very well scored a lot more than three goals.
Perhaps the most impressive detail regarding Reynolds’ showing is the fact that he was playing out of position. The Fire’s coaching staff opted for a three-at-the-back formation, sticking the 19-year-old in a left wingback role. Traditionally a fullback, Reynolds showcased his versatility with an outstanding shift in the midfield.
Knowing him now to be a very capable player and receptive to coaching, Klopas would be foolish not to bring Reynolds into the fold on a more regular basis. One thing is clear: the Chicago Fire have a real talent on their hands.
