Chicago Fire Trade Dasan Robinson for Dan Gargan and 2nd Round Pick from Toronto FC

It's the end of another era as the Chicago Fire traded Dasan Robinson to Toronto FC in exchange for right back Dan Gargan and a 2nd Round Draft pick.  Coincidentally the American defender was originally acquired in the 2nd Round of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft being selected 22nd overall.  Robinson enjoyed his best years in 2006 and 2007 playing in 23 matches each year while being a critical part of the 2006 U.S. Open Cup Championship run.  His departure means that only two players, Gonzalo Segares and Logan Pause, remain from that USOC Championship team.  What this trade means for the team now and getting past the nostalgia are after the break.

The last time Dasan Robinson entered a MLS Regular Season game for the Chicago Fire was back on April 30th in Colorado when Josip Mikulic had to be subbed off with a injury in the 37th minute of play.  The rest of his 2011 contributions were limited to 2 starts on the Seattle/Portland road trip and sub appearances in the Houston April game and the home opener vs. Sporting Kansas City.  In non-MLS regular season play, he made a handful of starts for the Reserves League team and started the U.S. Open Cup games against the San Jose Earthquakes and the Rochester Rhinos.  Robinson's spot on the bench had gone away ever since Mikulic regained his health back in June.  The only reason Robinson made the bench against Portland was because Mikulic was suspended for coming off the bench at the end of the Los Angeles Galaxy game.

Dan Gargan is a MLS veteran who is two years older than Robinson but can effectively play RB still.  He isn't flashy but I trust Gargan to at least take on Bratislav Ristic's role of the utility winger.  Robinson played a lot of RB in 2010 and he looked considerably slower than his 2007 peak.  This year he looked slower still.  He really is limited to playing CB at the age of 27.  While Robinson can't help out the Fire anymore, he goes to a Toronto team that has a -22 goal differential.  That's double the -GD of the next worst teams, the New England Revolution and Portland Timbers, who are at -10.  Seemingly any MLS veteran center back would help Toronto at this point.

In summary, the Chicago Fire traded a player who wasn't even dressing on game day for a 2nd round draft pick and a player that might dress and provides some depth where the Fire could use it.  In addition, the move might give Robinson a starting gig and some fresh scenery.  It's a minor trade but an on-paper win all around for teams and players alike.  

We here at HTIOT wish Dasan Robinson the best in his new role and thank him for all the memories.  No matter what, he will always be a part of the Kings of the Cup history.