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Chicago Fire: Key Takeaways from the Atlanta United match

By James Grinder

Mar 18, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Chicago Fire defender Johan Kappelhof (4) walks off the field after a red card against the Atlanta United in the first half at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Chicago Fire defender Johan Kappelhof (4) walks off the field after a red card against the Atlanta United in the first half at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 18, 2016; Commerce City, CO, USA; Chicago Fire defender Jonathan Campbell (16) controls the ball in the first half against the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2016; Commerce City, CO, USA; Chicago Fire defender Jonathan Campbell (16) controls the ball in the first half against the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Extrapolation

In spite of the small sample size, and slightly skewed stats of last match, let’s make what we might of the Chicago Fire’s -2 goal differential after three games.

The stat seems to suggest that the offense isn’t clicking yet, and the defense still needs help. We may see that help arrive, in the next match.

Defensively

Starting with the middle, Jonathan Campbell will have a chance to audition for a starting role.

Joao Meira’s role, specifically, and deservedly so, in my opinion. Meira was caught ball watching on quite a few of the goals, yesterday.

Campbell, of course, was not without his mistakes, including keeping Josef Martinez onside for a goal, but he is the better defender of the pair, despite not yet starting a match.

There seems to be truth to the theory that Bava is still adjusting to the English language, and that Meira’s bilingual ability is what’s keeping him on the field over Campbell, for the moment.

Using last match’s as a reference, Campbell seemed quicker to respond to any threat, and looks more fearless when doing so. Meira, alternatively, looked far more conservative and had moments of panic with positioning all match.

Meira looked extremely hesitant to tackle, and when he did, usually was too slow to be effective, whereas Campbell seemed confident stepping forward, almost at all times. There were times where Meira may have had a chance to cut off a pass but instead would stop, opting for looking for the offside trap. He looks as though he is thinking, too much.

In his defense, the Chicago Fire were in deep trouble the moment that red card was shown. As it is, I’m looking forward to seeing if Campbell can show enough to push Meira to the bench.

Oct 16, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Fire midfielder Michael de Leeuw (8) reacts after a goal against the New England Revolution during the first half at Toyota Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Fire midfielder Michael de Leeuw (8) reacts after a goal against the New England Revolution during the first half at Toyota Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensively

Possession numbers were warped by the early red card, yet, the Fire looked dismal in that department well before its appearance.

Missing de Leeuw didn’t help possession numbers, but what was ultimately revealed is that there is no working backup plan for when the Fire’s Faux-Number 10 is unavailable.

The need for a true number 10 has been bandied about by fans and pundits, alike, since January, if not before. A dangerous, creative CAM is still lacking on this team while it clearly isn’t on Atlanta.

The team will need a few more matches before labeling a Number 10 as the Chicago Fire’s most significant need.

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