Drew Conner, Daniel Johnson show potential in substitute roles

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Veljko Paunovic didn't use all three of his subs in the Chicago Fire's 1-0 win against Columbus on Saturday, but the two that he did both had some noteworthy plays.

Rookie Daniel Johnson nearly scored the game's second goal after chipping over goalkeeper Zack Steffen, but saw his shot cleared off the line by Nicolai Naess.

Meanwhile, Drew Conner had a few of his own highlights after entering in the 55th minute, including a long run that led to Bastian Schweinsteiger's free kick that the German nearly scored on. He also weaved through the Columbus defense in the box later on, but was unable to connect with a teammate on a centering ball.

"I've always prided myself on being versatile, but I think when I got the ball those two times I just saw a lot of space ahead of me and guys running on the wing so I just took a couple big touches and baited a few guys," Conner said. "I don't consider it my strong suit, but the opportunity was there to dribble so I just did it."

Conner, a homegrown player, didn't play in his first season with the Fire other than some appearances on loan in the USL. Saturday was his third appearance of 2017. With Brazilian midfielder Juninho serving a red card suspension, Conner was higher up the pecking order in central midfield.

After playing a combined 12 minutes in his first two matches, Conner got a more extended run with a 35 minute outing against the Crew.

"It was nice to get in and get some time," Conner said. "My thoughts just going on the field were just trying to break stuff up defensively as much as I could and when I get it just move the ball and help the team build a rhythm."

As for Johnson, the winger has been involved in flashy plays near the box in both of his first two MLS appearances after not playing in the Fire’s first three matches. Midfielder Dax McCarty said Johnson has changed the game both times he has played.

With John Goossens out with a long-term injury and Matt Polster still recovering from a knee injury suffered in preseason, there has been more minutes available to the Fire’s young midfielders.

"Very important to know that you can rely on the young players in a tough game like this when they come off the bench and help the team like they did," Paunovic said after the match. "I think both of them were very close to even influence more the game and change the game. I think Conner was close, that foul on him.

"It's very important to know that young players are growing, getting more mature and getting experience in games like this."

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