The Chicago Fire finished another disappointing season with the second-worst record in the MLS Eastern Conference. Though their lack of goal scoring was a big part of their problem in 2014, the reach of the issues that plagued the squad went well beyond the need for one or more quality strikers. The good news is that they only had 10 losses, which was tied for the second-fewest in the conference. The bad news is that they had a league-high 18 draws and left a lot of points on the table.
Head coach Frank Yallop and his staff wasted little time adding to a roster that won just six games last season and based on the early returns they have landed, it appears as though next year’s team will have a much different outlook. That’s a good thing as Chicago looks for a return to the form they showed in years past.
Shoring Up Their Offense
The Fire entered this offseason targeting at least “two or three” designated-player quality players and they have already accomplished that goal following the signings of Ghanian striker David Accam and Nigerian forward Kennedy Igboananike. Both moves were made to assess the team’s weakness up front.
That was their Achilles heel in 2014 when they finished near the bottom of the league with just 41 goals on the season. Accam spent the last few years working on his craft overseas and recently got a look for the Ghana national team for a FIFA World Cup Qualifying match. Igboananike is another talent that has come a long way over the past couple of years and he is expected to contribute up front immediately. If everything goes well, this could quickly turn around from an area where the team lacked depth to a spot where they have plenty. Accam and Igboananike join last year’s top scorer Quincy Amarikwa and 2013 MLS MVP Mike Magee to form a potentially potent forward rotation. That group should be able to help improve the Fire’s offensive production in 2015.
Other Potential Changes
Chicago also signed Indiana University defender Patrick Doody to a Homegrown Player contract after he was named to the 2014 All-Big Ten tournament team. He was one of the key members on the Hoosiers, helping them to a national title. Along with fellow signing Eric Gehrig, the Fire have already taken substantial steps toward shoring up their defensive depth.
When you factor in midfielder Michael Stephens to the equation, the Fire have now completed five offseason signings that are expected to make an immediate impact next season. Yallop has expressed his pleasure with the additions to his roster but also noted the team is looking for another midfielder – if it is available at the right price. Chicago still owns the seventh overall pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft and it will be interesting to see which direction they look to go in with that selection. With so many intriguing midfield prospects available, they may look to address their midfield there instead of signing another player.
Outlook
The Fire entered this offseason with a number of areas of need and the forward position a major concern. The fact that they have already made five quality signings – including two forwards that are expected to contribute immediately – is a sign that Yallop and his staff mean business. They aren’t planning to hang out in the Eastern Conference basement much longer. This is a team that’s used to success and they are motivated to get back to the playoffs.
Chicago still has the opportunity to shore up its depth through the draft and free agency over the next month, and it will be interesting to see whether they explore the trade route leading up to training camp. With so many draws last season, they are closer to contention that most people think. They’ve had an aggressive offseason and if the offense is just a little bit better, the expectation is that this squad will be a team on the rise.
