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Chicago Fire: MLS Superdraft Review

By Neal Sayatovich

Jan 15, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Banners from the MLS teams hang above the 2015 MLS SuperDraft at Philadelphia Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Banners from the MLS teams hang above the 2015 MLS SuperDraft at Philadelphia Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago Fire added two talented young defenders to their depleted back line in the first two rounds of the MLS Superdraft, but not without controversy. With the first pick in the draft, the fire selected Wake Forest midfielder Jack Harrison. Harrison was then traded to NYCFC for targeted allocation funds and the fourth pick in the first round.

Many analysts were confused by the move and many media outlets picked up the philosophy that this proved the draft is useless. When you obtain the full picture you realize this was actually a well thought out move. GM Nelson Rodriguez stated in earlier interviews that he was close to signing some European veterans and would adjust his draft choices accordingly.

The choice to take Harrison with the pick must have meant he was close to signing some veteran defenders. When NYCFC called they saw an opportunity and traded Harrison for the number 4 pick and targeted allocation funds, which the Fire used to draft Stanford and newly capped USMNT defender Brandon Vincent. Of course, the downside was they missed out on heavily touted Georgetown defender Joshua Yaro, who was drafted by Philadelphia Union.

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Look at Vincent to be a day one starter for the fire. The former Cardinal was all Pac-12 since ever since his sophomore year and had six goals in each of his final two seasons. Vincent adds the young, raw talent that head coach Veljko Paunovic is looking for and adds an attack element like we see in Harrison Afful and Waylon Francis in Columbus. He can set up Gilberto and David Accam from the rear flanks, while being able to score if the opportunity shows up.

Vincent is joined by University of North Carolina defender Jonathon Campbell. The 6’2” Tar Heel center back was a solid assist player during his time the UNC-Chapel Hill with 2 goals and six assists in the last two seasons. Campbell is a lot like Chad Marshall of the Seattle Sounders or Bobby Boswell of D.C. United. This kid is a big guy who can hit quality long balls and will set up counter attacks well. Look for him and midfielder Harry Shipp to find chemistry together quickly.

The final pick made was North Florida forward Alex Morrell. After watching tape on this kid and looking over the roster there is a high chance he will be moved to midfield. With DP’s Gilberto and Accam, plus talented forward Kennedy Igboananike, there is no room for Morrell there.

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He shows the ability to cut through defenses and has great lateral versatility, but his finishing is suspect. His numbers were more reflective of a midfielder (6 goals and 13 assists over last two seasons) than a forward. There is a chance he takes either a wide midfielder or even a holding midfielder role.

Overall the Fire accomplished their goal of strengthening the defense in the MLS Superdraft and, while not a big name, defender Eric Gehrig will provide good leadership and experience if another veteran isn’t brought in. Look for both kids to make frequent appearances in their rookie season. That said, remember they are young and they are rookies. Mistakes are bound to happen and as long as the new Fire doesn’t act like the old Fire, their groth should be noticeable.

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