Chicago trades first overall pick Harrison to NYCFC

Of the five picks in 2015, only Sergio Campbell remains with the team. The Chicago Fire hold the first pick in the draft and the Portland Timbers have the 20th and final pick of the first round, and they and 18 other MLS teams will be hoping to find the next star for their teams. Which is why they will attempt to trade up for this pick. “We don’t really look at ourselves anymore as one team that sits up top, we look at ourselves as a soccer organization and we need contributions from everyone”.

The Fire’s draft prep this year has also been met with unusual complications.

At just 5-foot-7 and weighing about 140 pounds, Endoh will be one of Toronto smallest players. In addition, Brian Bliss, who led club scouting, left as the club’s technical director earlier this month.

Either way, it would be wise for us as Vancouver Whitecaps supporters to remind ourselves what kind of team Carl Robinson and company now have at their disposal. We did a bit of that a year ago when we felt we needed more depth at centre back.

So who are the Fire likely to pick if they do end up keeping the pick?

Ghana-born defender Josh Yaro has anchored a dominant Hoyas back line for three years and seems to be the consensus favorite to be selected first overall by the Chicago Fire. This is a big year for Dean, 22, who hasn’t truly broken into the first team yet (four starts in two seasons) but should get more opportunities. He went on to make 14 regular-season starts and is now in camp with the USA national team.

The Lions selected Akron midfielder Richie Laryea, a Generation Adidas signee who adds depth across multiple spots in the midfield.

Ignoring the trade viability (or lack therof) of the above players for a moment, that’s not a bad XI to walk into March with – question marks at right-back notwithstanding.

Based on RSL’s roster needs and style of play, Waibel indicated that there are two guys in particular who could contribute right away this season.

Every step along the way Bonner says he’s stayed focused and simply been pleasantly surprised as more and more doors have opened for him.

You can’t blame NYCFC for trying. We’re going to have a lot of young players in supporting roles.

Harrison had eight goals and 11 assists this past season for the Demon Deacons, and finished the season ranked as the nation’s top-ranked freshman by Top Drawer soccer. “My philosophy has always been to work my hardest, do my best, and just see where it takes me”. He’s good on the ball and knows how to score, can set up teammates pretty well. He does not watch a lot of soccer which can be frightening to some coaches.

He can play as an outside back but in all likelihood is a better fit in the middle of the defense. It’s also a little heavier on worldwide picks than I would have preferred in hindsight. He’ll need to be in the right system where a coach is going to trust him.