Chicago Fire snap up back-line duo of Michael Harrington, Patrick McLain

The Chicago Fire announced on Monday the club has signed left full-back Michael Harrington and goalkeeper Patrick McLain in an effort to bolster their back line.

The two join the team on free agent deals as Harrington's contract expired with the Colorado Rapids and McLain was last a member of the Sacramento Republic in the USL.

Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez was full of praises for both his new signings.

"With his soccer intelligence and team-first attitude, Michael can start for us in a few different spots," Rodriguez said in a statement. "He is solid on both sides of the ball and is an important addition for us.

"Perhaps not yet recognized by many, we believe that Patrick is about to become known as an outstanding talent. He's excellent with his feet and he also commands his box very well."

Harrington joins Chicago having spent nine seasons in MLS. He joined the league with Sporting Kansas City back in 2007, the team he played with for six seasons. He was then traded to the Portland Timbers in 2013, then again to the Rapids in 2015. He has made 221 appearances in those nine seasons, scoring five goals and recording 18 assists.

As for McLain, the 27-year-old shot-stopper was once a member of Chivas USA but joined the lower divisions when the former Los Angeles-based MLS side folded in 2014. He returns to MLS having spent time with both Sacramento and the Orange County Blues.