Top Stories

SBI MLS Rookie of the Week: Matt Polster

MLS: Chicago Fire at San Jose Earthquakes

Photo by Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY Sports

By AARON CRANFORD

Matt Polster is making a name for himself in the Chicago Fire midfield after another solid outing in his team’s 1-0 win vs. New York City FC.

For the second time this season, Polster is recognized as SBI MLS Rookie of the Week. He earned it in Week 4 when the 21-year-old rookie completed 83% of his passes. This time out, the former Southern Illinois University Edwardsville midfielder produced a completion rate of 87% — executing 81 out of his 93 passes on the day.

Polster also attempted two shots on goal but was unable to find his first in MLS. The rookie has started five games in a row since being subbed on in Chicago’s opening loss to the LA Galaxy on March 6.

The Fire midfielder beat out Colorado Rapids defender Axel Sjoberg and NYCFC forward Khiry Shelton for this week’s honors.

What did you think of Polster’s performance? Which rookie stood out to you in MLS Week 8?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. I saw Polster against the Quakes. I was very impressed. He was one of the better players for either team on the day. Well rounded game, smart with the ball, pretty quick and brings a physical presence. Unless Shelton goes on a tear, I think it will be between Alashe and Polster for rook of the year.

    Reply
  2. There was a lot of skepticism about Polster among Fire fans when the team drafted him so high this year. This was due to several factors, including dissatisfaction with FO personnel moves in 2014, a horrible 2014 season, and the hype machine spilling ots of ink other rookie draftees. I’ve been very pleasantly surprised. He has shown himself to be a quality player, and his composure is remarkable. It’s notable that a veteran player, Alex, was just traded away to Houston for a young forward. I have to think that this move was made possible in part because Polster rose to the occasion in maturing more quickly than Bliss and Yallop expected.

    Reply
  3. If anyone remembers, this is the same Matt Polster who became emotional and broke down crying on stage after being selected by the Chicago Fire at the draft. He wasn’t on anyone’s radar, and left many analysts puzzled why he was selected. If he keeps his performances up, this will be a true American soccer success story.

    Reply
  4. Was at the game Friday night, and I was continually impressed by Polster’s composure on the ball. Looked like a seasoned vet out there controlling the center.

    Reply

Leave a Comment