MLS stock report and preview: Eastern Conference
Chicago Fire — 32 pts
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Key Additions: M P.Frankowski, D Marcelo, G D.Ousted, M C.Martinez, F F.Herbers, F CJ Sapong
Key Losses: D Andrew Gutman* (homegrown candidate signed by Celtic), F M.de Leeuw, D M.Polster, D B.Vincent D J.Campbell
This is a tough one. Chicago have a very exciting front-six. They have above-average attackers in Aleksandar Katai and Przemysław Frankowski. Nemanja Nikolic should feast playing between them. Most importantly, Bastian Schweinsteiger should be returning to the midfield. He, Dax McCarty, and Djorde Mihailovic are a legitimate midfield three, and they could be a plus unit.
The Fire have added depth to their attack-force signing CJ Sapong, Fabian Herbers and Cristian Martinez. Sapong has been inconsistent but is a fringe starter in MLS. Both Herbers and Martinez have shown flashes in the past, but never established themselves. I think both are an upgrade over the likes of Luis Solignac and Elliot Collier.
Chicago have improved a poor defense. They have brought in Marcelo from Sporting Lisbon and resigned Johan Kappelhof. Grant Lillard should also get more opportunity to play in the center of defense. However, Chicago lost starting left-back Brandon Vincent to [early] retirement and failed to sign sure-replacement Andrew Gutman to a Homegrown deal. Instead, it looks like Raheem Edwards will move to left-back. Edwards played some wing-back for Toronto a few seasons ago and could do well there, but there does not seem to be a plan B.
Right-back is even less secure. Nicolas Hasler and Jorge Corrales are the most obvious potential starters there, though neither would be adequate. It’s possible Kappelhof slides over to the right, and Lillard starts in the middle with Marcelo. This preseason, Diego Campos has played at full-back, and that is an intriguing move, though I can’t be bullish on him until I see how well he does during the regular season. It looks like Chicago is signing another CB, but until that player is revealed it is difficult to comment on how they may change the defensive set-up.
Chicago should be more stable than they were last year. The attack is better and the midfield is a strength. There are still questions surrounding the defense though. Some people may have Chicago listed as a potential playoff team. I am not one of them. They will finish the season with more points than a year ago, but they will miss the playoffs again this season.