Aleksandar Katai is doing everything he can to make himself irreplaceable for the Chicago Fire, scoring four goals in his last three games and tabulating five strikes and two assists since May 30 – and his latest tally just snared AT&T Goal of the Week honors.
The Serbian winger claimed the Week 18 GotW prize for his game-winning golazo against New York City FC last weekend, a slaloming solo run and finish that marked the second of his two goals on the day.
Katai’s effort garnered 34 percent of the vote, edging out the 26 percent that plucked for the latest entry from LA Galaxy superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The debut MLS goal by Columbus Crew SC’s Venezuelan attacker Eduardo Sosa finished in third place (16%), followed by contenders from LAFC striker Adama Diomande and Galaxy ace Romain Alessandrini (both at 12%).
On loan from Spanish side Alaves, Katai’s future in Chicago remains unclear. His current arrangement is set to expire on July 31, with MLSsoccer.com’s Sam Stejskal reporting this week that the Fire’s option to acquire him permanently for a previously-negotiated transfer fee expired at the end of June.
The Fire have stated that they’re exploring various options to extend Katai’s loan or purchase his rights outright; he’s contributed eight goals and three assists in 17 league matches (16 starts) to date.
Check out the final Week 18 voting results and video of all five nominated goals.
