Chicago Fire: Three Takeaways from the Impact

Impressions from the Chicago Fire’s preseason match with the Montreal Impact, and other notions. Midfield pivots, the Third Triumvirate, and glaring holes.

The Chicago Fire were exceptionally fun to watch on Wednesday. Beyond the usual signs of early preseason rust, the team dominated the first half against a half-academy, half-starter Montreal side.

Montreal brought in more of their first team for the second half, but the Fire still looked decent. Not as dominant as the first half, but the Fire still had the general run of play.

The starting lineup looked very similar to the one used against the Union, with only the outside backs being replaced. Barring any late additions, this list looks like the opening day starting XI.

 1. Dax and Juninho are off to a good start

These two are incredible together. Dax Mccarty and Juninho’s play in the central pivot has effectively masked the Chicago Fire’s defensive deficiencies for the past two games, now. Their chemistry will improve with time, as it already has, remarkably since their first match together.

Their constant communication helps keep the team in shape, allowing Paunovic’s high press style to thrive. Dax tended to push forward a bit more, but both players were efficient in choosing when to do so.

2. The trio up top are looking great, too

And it did. All signs for the Third Triumvirate of David Accam, Nemanja Nikolic, and Michael de Leeuw are pointing in the right direction. There were some growing pains during the game, but overall, the chemistry on display is cause for excitement. Some fans have pined for a true #10, but the lads on-field did more than enough to score without one. Given more game-time to learn each other’s tendencies, this trio’s effectiveness will only grow.

3. The Glaring Hole at RB

Fans have noticed this glaring hole at right back from the get-go. Have a look on twitter for #cf97 on any given day, and you would see it’s usually the number one topic discussed besides maybe capos, enganches, and wooden spoons. So how has GM Nelson Rodriguez not recognized this plainly obvious truth?
My theory: He has.

More from MLS Multiplex

• Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
• Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
• USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
• De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
• Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States

Otherwise, passing on Jonathan Spector, a versatile defender, would look like a particularly egregious error in hindsight.

Now, what has Rodriguez has brought in for the RB position so far?

Trialists. Trialists that didn’t catch on. Also bear in mind, the Chicago Fire were once rumored to be pursuing Antonio Rukavina. Rukavina would look great on that right side. That rumor, paired with a largely ineffective right back search must indicate that the Front Office is actively pursuing a high-caliber right back.
Otherwise, Rodriguez would have done a better job of bringing in actual talent to fill the RB position instead of mere stopgaps.  Furthermore, the continued lack of any right back related transfer activity reinforces this notion.

Highlights from the third preseason game against the Montreal Impact, from the Chicago Fire’s webpage.

Next: Chicago Fire, Da Bears, and the Third Round Pick

The situation will not be remedied in-house. Kappelhof is not the answer, and must be kept in the center. Weakening your core defense shouldn’t be the main band-aid for a problem that has extended this long. At this point the RB spot is simply, a glaring hole.

This window or the next, there will be a new right back on this team. Solving this iniquity could mean making the playoffs or not.