Chicago Fire Sign Cristian Nazarit; Why is the team being so forward?

The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced today the signing of forward Cristian Nazarit on a free transfer. The 20-year-old striker comes to the club from Colombian Primera A side Independiente Santa Fe and will be added to the club's roster upon the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.  More on Nazarit and where he will fit in after the break.

Technical Director Frank Klopas said "Cristian brings a wealth of talent and experience to the Chicago Fire.  The Colombian target forward has pace, strikes the ball well and is able to play with his back to goal. His size and offensive abilities make him a positive addition to our team."

Nazarit began his professional career with Colombian side America de Cali in 2007, where he appeared in 13 matches before transferring to Independiente at the beginning of 2008. While with Los Cardenales, Nazarit appeared in 42 matches, scoring 16 goals in the process.

Nazarit fits the mold of a player that was rumored last month; Juho Makela.  Chicago is very short at the moment and it shows in the 0 for 37 conversion rate on corner kicks.  Nazarit's height (6'1) could help the team in the box .  I thought Orr Barouch (6'2) would take the role of late target forward sub but he has started seeing time in the midfield.  Barouch has also looked timid on his headers.  He needs to get stronger.  Nazarit might be just what the doctor ordered in the meantime.

However, improving corner kick efficiency seems like a luxury for a team that is currently tied for 3rd in the league in goals scored per game while also tied for 4th in the league in goals against per game.  There wasn't one defender out there that would have been a better signing than Nazarit?  Nazarit also takes up the last spot on the 30-man roster and the last international roster spot.  That's a golden thing to just give up in exchange for a player that might just come in late for some strategic headers.  The team also announced that midfielder Marko Maric is headed to the disabled list.  This DL move frees up a roster spot while Maric remains on the DL but it would not free up his international roster spot from my understanding.  At this point there would be no room at the inn for Sinha thanks to Cristian Nazarit.

It's time to start asking yourself, what exactly is up Frank Klopas' sleeve for the summer transfer window?  Why add this offensive piece when that part of the puzzle is coming together well and the defense looks to be missing a piece or two?  In fact it looks like some of the defensive chips we do have came chipped.  I've had a theory for awhile and it grows everyday.  For Klopas' sake, I hope he has the card I think he does.  We'll talk about that later.

Welcome to the the Chicago Fire Cristian Nazarit.  Wear the red with pride.  We wish you a long and prosperous time here in the city of Chicago.