Jun 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Chicago Fire defender Michael Harrington (5) and Philadelphia Union forward Chris Pontius (13) battle for control of the ball during the first half at Talen Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Recap and thoughts from the Chicago Fire’s preseason match with the Philadelphia Union. Position battles, striker partnerships, and Paunovic’s formation.

Chicago Fire players are working hard for Coach Veljko Paunovic this preseason. The first half of the match saw the Men in Red wasteful in possession, but able to contain the Union’s attack. All starters returned for the second half, yet the Fire played like a whole new team.

Passes started connecting, confidence was gained, and Chicago started to dominate play.

1. The Nikolic-de Leeuw Partnership looks promising

The game’s lone goal came from the Chicago Fire’s dynamic duo. Michael De Leeuw headed home the winner from Nemanja Nikolic’s cross. Both strikers getting off the mark so early into preseason is a good indicator of things to come.

Nikolic clinically finished an exchange earlier in the match, but it was called back for offsides. After a few more games of gelling with the team, Niko’s darting runs are going to cause MLS center backs nightmares.

2. Paunovic’s Formation revealed

When the game started, the Chicago Fire were lined up in a 4-4-2. As the game progressed, a 4-2-3-1 began to reveal its shape, with Dax McCarty and Juninho forming the pivot. This seems to be Paunovic’s preferred formation.

3. Position Battles:

Bava started over Lampson, but wasn’t tested often. Harrington at rightback looked quick to foul when he was beaten. Meira’s start in the center seems to hint that he will be Kappelhof’s partner for the season opener.

Doody got the nod at leftback over Vincent and he did not look out of place. We may have a new position battle on our hands.

Doody has quietly had himself a good match. One or two mistakes but he has reinstated his intent to challenge for a spot #cf97 — SzbloodFire (@TrueMartyParty) February 9, 2017

Overall, the Chicago Fire came out of the game seeming the stronger of the two sides. You can check out the highlights from the team’s page here below.

With two clean sheets in their pocket and four preseason matches left to play, the Chicago Fire are just picking up steam.