BALTIMORE, Md.(Jan. 14, 2016) – The Chicago Fire added three players through the 2016 MLS SuperDraft Thursday in Baltimore, Md., selecting Stanford University defender Brandon Vincent, University of North Carolina defender Jonathan Campbell and University of North Florida forward Alex Morrell.
The Fire headed into the SuperDraft with the first overall pick, which was used to select Wake Forest midfielder Jack Harrison. The Fire then executed a trade with New York City FC, acquiring General Allocation Money and the No. 4 pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft in exchange for Harrison.
“The scenario that unfolded was one that we had discussed and arranged with NYCFC in advance and we feel very good about it,” said Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez. “I think the staff did a great job. We had an abundance of creative thinking in trying to find the pathway. Candidly, it ended up better than we had imagined. Through the course of our deals today, we feel we picked up three really good young players that fit our values, and in the process amassed a nice account that will give us super opportunity in the international market.”
With the fourth overall pick of the day the Fire selected Stanford University defender Brandon Vincent, who is currently with the U.S. Men’s National Team for their annual January training camp at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, Calif. In his senior season, Vincent helped lead the Cardinals to the 2015 College Cup title and was named College Cup Most Outstanding Defensive Player for his efforts. In 2015 the Santa Clarita, Calif. native was also named a MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist and Pac 12 Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year. Vincent started all 80 matches in which he appeared throughout his collegiate career and scored 13 goals and added three assists.
“Brandon is a young guy we interviewed who surprised us with his maturity,” said Fire head coach Veljko Paunovic. “That was one of the reasons we picked him. He still needs a lot of development and that’s my job. I’m very excited to work with him. I think we chose the right guys for our locker room, with our values and with good soccer potential."
The Fire next acquired General Allocation Money and the 15th overall selection in the SuperDraft from Seattle Sounders FC in exchange for defender Joevin Jones. Jones departs after one season with the Men in Red in which he scored one goal and added one assist in 28 MLS matches.
Immediately following, the Fire traded the 15th and 33rd overall picks in exchange for the 12th and 22nd picks in the SuperDraft from the Colorado Rapids. The two sides also traded spots in the MLS Allocation ranking, with the Fire sending the first spot to the Rapids in exchange for the second.
With the 12th pick, the Fire selected University of North Carolina defender Jonathan Campbell. Over four years, Campbell started 73 of the 74 matches in which he appeared and scored three goals and tallied seven assists. A 2015 MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist, Campbell was also named NSCAA First Team and First Team All-ACC in his senior season. In 2012 the Greensboro, N.C. native was named to College Soccer News’ All-Freshman First Team as the Tar Heels led the nation in shutout percentage and goals against average.
“We think Jonathan is a good player who could become a really good player,” said Rodriguez. “We loved our interview with him and he’s another one who understands the importance of hard work, comes from a great program at North Carolina. We believe Jonathan has the opportunity to contribute right away, but at the same time learn from Pauno and the center backs that we bring in."
The Fire concluded their SuperDraft by selecting forward Alex Morrell from the University of North Florida. A 2015 Atlantic Sun Conference All-Tournament Team and First Team All-Atlantic Sun Conference honoree, Morrell scored 10 goals and tallied 19 assists in 63 games across four seasons.
“Alex is a dynamite athlete and a very intelligent soccer player,” said Rodriguez. “He can play multiple positions and that versatility is very important to us as we build our adaptable style of play.”
The final two rounds of the SuperDraft are scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 19 via conference call. The Men in Red hold the 57th overall (third round) and 62nd overall (fourth round) selections.
