After selecting Jack Harrison with the No. 1 overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft, the Chicago Fire traded him away to New York City FC.
The Fire landed the No. 4 pick and general allocation money from New York City FC in exchange for Harrison. With that No. 4 pick the Fire took selected Stanford left back Brandon Vincent.
Vincent is currently in U.S. Men’s National Team camp this month to train with the U-23 group as it prepares for its Olympic qualifying playoff in March. He was a late riser on draft boards after the Cardinal won the NCAA Tournament this fall and earned extra buzz with the national team call-up.
[MORE FIRE: Fire trade No. 1 overall pick Jack Harrison to NYCFC]
He was named 2015 College Cup Defensive Most Outstanding Player and was named a first-team All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Top Drawer Soccer and College Soccer News. In addition, he was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.
In his four-year career, Vincent made 80 appearances with 13 goals and three assists. The California native isn’t known for his attacking abilities at a left back, but was described as a solid all-around player by Travis Clark of Top Drawer Soccer.
What is interesting about the pick is that Vincent plays the same position as Joevin Jones, who was one of the bright spots for the Fire in 2015 largely playing at left back. Perhaps the Vincent pick means the new Fire regime under coach Veljko Paunovic views Jones as more of a midfielder.
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In another draft day trade the Fire gave another mysterious player to be named later to Seattle for the 15th pick and general allocation money.
UPDATE: Fire have acquired the No. 12 and No. 22 picks and the No. 2 general allocation ranking position from the Colorado Rapids for the No. 15 and No. 33 picks and No. 1 general allocation ranking position. The Fire used the No. 12 pick to select North Carolina defender Jonathan Campbell.
Stick with CSNChicago.com for updates as the busy day of movement unfolds.