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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 Michael Harrington (5) 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 Michael Harrington (5) 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 /

Which brings us to the unavoidable truth of the Right Back situation:

The Black Hole

Uncontested giveaways, bad positioning, and a number of awful decisions has to see Harrington start on the bench, next match. He-who-must-be-replaced has shown enough for us to know what he is, a USL-level center back.

I can’t say that he was exposed last game because most were able to ascertain this truth last season. That is why I refuse to believe that this is simply an oversight by the Chicago Fire’s lead talent evaluator.

Nelson Rodriguez has done a great job as of late amassing top talent, and that’s commendable. It has certainly bought some time for his project, but my patience in regards to the right back position is starting to wearing thin. Valuable points look likely to be lost because of the neglect of this position.

I can’t blame Paunovic for putting Michael Harrington out there if he really is the best right back on the squad. However, I assert that we have seen more than enough to know what Harrington is: not good enough.

Enter, homegrown player Patrick Doody.

Harrington has clearly played himself off the pitch. A switch for Patrick Doody is beyond past due. Please give the second best outside back on the depth chart a chance to overtake Harrington. I don’t care if he’s a lefty, please start Doody.

Kappelhof has been floated as a potential placeholder for the role, but more than anything, Kappelhof has proven to be the linchpin of the the back line and needs to be in the center, at all times.

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