But RSL's defense - which has rotated on a regular basis recently - is apparently a concern for general manager Steve Pastorino.

RSL released defender Marlon Rojas to clear space on its roster for a player likely to be acquired this week. The team hopes to get help in the back line in time for Real Salt Lake's game against the MetroStars on July 4 at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Said RSL coach John Ellinger: "It will change again next week."

Injuries, to Brian Dunseth and Rusty Pierce, suspensions (Nelson Akwari) and national team duty for veteran Eddie Pope have kept the back line looking unfamiliar, at best.

"We'll get Rusty back and

Brian should be back," Ellinger said, speaking of the team's July 4 game.

Because of the high turnover on the back line the team has given up goals it wishes it could have back - like the Chicago Fire's go-ahead goal in the second half.

Of the defensive breakdown that led to the goal, team captain Jason Kreis said: "The way that second goal was scored was really disappointing."

The 3-1 loss was RSL's eighth on the road. It hasn't earned a point since the season-opener in New Jersey, an 0-0 tie against the MetroStars. But midway through the second half in Chicago, RSL appeared to be on the verge of its second road result.

It answered a first strike from the Fire, and after a number of Chicago's shots hit the post, RSL seemed to have luck on its side.

But, the team's defense broke down and Countess was forced to handle more than he bargained for his first time back to Soldier Field since he was claimed by RSL in the expansion draft.

RSL fell to 3-9-3 with the loss. It is still five points ahead of CD Chivas, the league's other expansion team, but it continues to fall off the rest of the Western Conference. The Colorado Rapids are in fourth place and occupy the last playoff spot.

Ellinger thought part of the breakdown was due to the team's attempts to create more scoring chances.

"When you push numbers up you don't have numbers in the back," Ellinger said. "We need to work on that."

Pierce, recovering from a pulled hamstring, is expecting to return against the MetroStars. Ellinger was hopeful Dunseth (groin) would return then as well. Pope rejoined the U.S. national team for the CONCACAF Gold Cup after the 3-1 loss to Chicago. It's possible he will be with the U.S. team until July 24, if the United States reaches the final.

Pope isn't the only player the team will lose to Gold Cup play. Midfielder Andy Williams, who has played better in the past week than he has all season, will join his native Jamaica after the MetroStars game.

"I'm trying to play as many games as I can here," Williams said.