Feb 25, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA;Chicago Fire midfielder Juninho (10) and Toronto FC midfielder Jonathan Osorio (21) cause down the ball in the first half during the 2017 Rowdies Suncoast Invitational at Al Lang Field. The Chicago Fire defeated Toronto FC 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Fire end the preseason looking like a MLS playoff dark horse. Predicted starting XI, and will the offense and defense hold up over the season.

The Chicago Fire completed the 2017 MLS preseason with a convincing 4-1 win over Toronto FC. Despite going undefeated in preseason, however, fans are cautious to anoint the Fire as anything other than a playoff dark horse.

Prowess in recent preseasons that failed to build into any regular season success are still fresh in supporters memory.

Can #cf97 add to their 2012 Louisiana Challenge Cup, 2013 Carolina Challenge Cup, 2014 Desert Diamond Cup, and 2016 Simple Invitiational? pic.twitter.com/5LXGJg9WFX — UnMundoSzinFronteras (@TrueMartyParty) February 25, 2017

Taking that into account, we look at what was learned from the full campaign.

1. The Chicago Fire Starting XI

With Toronto FC putting out their best players, Veljko Paunovic followed suit. Lining up in a 4-4-2, the Men in Red seemed the stronger of the two sides from the get-go. I expect to see this exact lineup and formation playing in Columbus on March 4.

A punishing press ran by disciplined players led to a fantastic first half. The Chicago Fire were able to swallow any attack that Giovinco and Jozy Altidore were able to muster.

Specifically, Dax McCarty and Juninho’s strong midfield play greatly impinged on Toronto’s ability in the final third. Coach Paunovic has leaned heavily on the pair throughout the preseason, defensively. Hopefully, that dependence does not wear them out over a long MLS season.

Jorge Bava, despite not letting up many goals during the preseason, has looked shaky in net at times. This game, though, was his best yet, with a few key stops including a breakaway.

2. Goals, aplenty

David Accam. Nemjana Nikolic. Michael de Leeuw. The MLS will really get to know these guys over the course of the regular season. Despite taking a shot to the head while forming a wall for a free kick, de Leeuw was able to shake off the morass and score. Niko’s runs opened up space, and Accam exploited that space. In short, they are all working well together.

Despite a contingent of fans clamoring for a number 10, the Fire’s offense has had little trouble producing throughout the preseason. Even though this boon in production comes during preseason, I still fully agree with the sentiments of the following tweet:

I know many thinking #cf97 "need" a #10 but I'd like to see De Leeuw and Nico partnership unfold over time 1st https://t.co/Ntkmmr82fY — Clint Warren (@Clint_Warren) February 27, 2017

3. The Weakest Link

At the risk of drawing the ire of the #cf97 faithful I tread forward, carefully.

At right back, Michael Harrington put on his best performance of the preseason against Toronto, revealing why he is the preferred choice, for now. His crossing and (sometimes questionable) decision-making created a few chances, including one that led to a penalty shout. This offensive inclination is not an aberration to his game, as Harrington has consistently helped create offense throughout the preseason.

The defensive part of his game is what has Fire fans most concerned. Unarguably the weakest link on the Fire’s back line, Toronto keyed in on Harrington early. Despite going at him all match, however, Harrington and the rest of the back line did not break. Harrington was beaten badly a few times on the dribble, but worked hard enough to get back into position when he was.

Highlights from the final preseason game against Toronto FC, from the Chicago Fire’s webpage.

Fittingly, the right back position remains fans’ top worry, and even at his best, Harrington still does not satisfy. If Harrington’s spirited performance on Sunday proves anything, though, it is that while not the long term solution, he can get it done for now.

Nonetheless, if incoming RB Ryan Taylor can play well enough to force Harrington out of the starting XI, that should bode well for the Chicago Fire’s playoff aspirations.