Reports: Chicago Fire duo on trial with Scottish powerhouse Rangers FC

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trialists

Two players with Chicago Fire ties, fourth-year utility man Matt Polster (pictured above) and rising academy product Andrew Gutman, are in Scotland this week on a trial stint with Glasgow heavyweights Rangers FC, according to multiple media reports. 

One of MLS’s more promising young players before a knee injury ruled him out for most of 2018, Polster, 25, made 82 regular-season appearances (73 starts) and one postseason appearance since the Fire drafted him with the No. 7 overall selection in the 2015 SuperDraft. A versatile player who’s logged time at both central midfield and right back, he is reportedly out of contract this winter. 

FWIW – Gerrard was familiar with Polster from his time playing in MLS with the Galaxy. Connection was made and he brought him over. Polster is out of contract at the end of the year.

— Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) December 18, 2018

Meanwhile Gutman, 22, is an attack-minded left back who recently concluded a sterling college career at the University of Indiana highlighted by a run to this year’s College Cup semifinals and National Player of the Year and First-Team Best XI honors from TopDrawerSoccer.com. 

Matt Polster and Andrew Gutman join Rangers on trial as Steven Gerrard looks for new playershttps://t.co/LFoSeWkcxA pic.twitter.com/szazNqcl15

— Daily Record Rangers (@DR_Rangers) December 18, 2018

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is an MLS alum, having finished his legendary playing career with the LA Galaxy from 2015-16, which apparently provided him with a degree of familiarity with Polster.