The Chicago Fire have added veteran players to the club’s roster.
After adding only rookies so far this offseason, the Fire made official two signings of veteran professionals on Monday in defender Michael Harrington and goalkeeper Patrick McLain.
Harrington, 29, is now the oldest player on the Fire’s roster. The North Carolina native and former North Carolina Tar Heel last played with the Colorado Rapids. In 2015 he made 14 starts and scored one goal for the Rapids.
Harrington entered the league in 2007 when he was the No. 3 overall pick by Kansas City. He made 149 regular season appearances with the club until being traded to Portland before the 2013 season. He played two years with the Timbers before joining the Rapids last offseason.
“With his soccer intelligence and team-first attitude, Michael can start for us in a few different spots,” Fire general manager Nelson Rodríguez said in a press release by the club. “He is solid on both sides of the ball and is an important addition for us.”
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As for McLain, the 27-year-old goalkeeper joins the Fire from Sacramento Republic FC of the USL. In 29 appearances last season, McLain allowed 30 goals and recorded six shutouts. The Wisconsin native signed with former MLS side Chivas USA in 2012 and made his MLS debut in 2013 before spending 2014 and 2015 in the USL.
Chicago Fire
McLain, who is 6-foot-3, is the second goalkeeper behind incumbent starter Sean Johnson on the Fire’s roster.
“Perhaps not yet recognized by many, we believe that Patrick is about to become known as an outstanding talent,” Rodríguez said. “He’s excellent with his feet and he also commands his box very well.”
The Fire’s roster is now at 18. Half of those 18 players, including McLain, have made fewer than 10 MLS appearances in their careers.