Based on his two-goal, one-assist performance in the Fire’s 5-1 victory over Tampa Bay on Friday, Ante Razov was named MLS player of the week. Whether that impresses the fans who jeered Razov during Friday’s pregame introductions will be determined Wednesday when the Fire entertains the Colorado Rapids.
“I couldn’t care less,” Razov said about a possible thaw in relations. “They can do whatever they want. It doesn’t bother me.”
Despite leading the team in scoring the last two years, Razov has been criticized for the goals he doesn’t score. The week before in New England, Razov had some quality chances that he didn’t convert and a penalty kick was knocked away in the 80th minute of an eventual 1-1 draw.
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Fire coach Bob Bradley said he talked with Razov about his postgame comments and sought to advise him on how to handle the criticism that comes with being a striker.
“I understand how fans are, better than [Razov] does,” Bradley said. “Part of Ante’s continued maturity as a player is to deal with some of this stuff better.”
Razov, 26, hopes to play in Europe some day. There the scrutiny of every play and missed opportunity is considerably more intense than it is in the United States.
“This is the way it works throughout the world,” Bradley said. “Fans pay money. I think they all want to see us win every game. You always wish that on days things don’t go well, the fans stand behind guys.”
Razov is tied with Hristo Stoitchkov for the team lead in goals with four and is among the league leaders in shots and shots on goal. Supporters say he creates scoring chances; critics complain that he doesn’t do enough with them.
On Wednesday, Razov will be paired with Josh Wolff in the Fire attack. Wolff is back from Olympic qualifying duty. Bradley said Stoitchkov is “week-to-week” with a groin injury. Midfielder Chris Armas (hamstring) is also likely to miss Wednesday’s match as well as Saturday’s against the Fusion in Ft. Lauderdale. Goalkeeper Zach Thornton may play Wednesday, Bradley said.
The Rapids are coming off a 5-0 whipping at home at the hands of the Kansas City Wizards. In three games since being acquired from the Fire, forward Junior Agogo has a goal and two assists for the Rapids along with a team-high 20 shots, eight on goal.