When the Chicago Fire entered the 2011 MLS Draft, the hope was that the rebuilding club would be able to find defensive help to make up for the losses of Wilman Conde and C.J. Brown.
The club's wishes were answered when North Carolina central defender Jalil Anibaba fell to the Fire at the No. 9 pick in the MLS Draft.
The most impressive player at the MLS Combine, Anibaba is the type of centerback capable of building Chicago's defense around, and landing him helped give Chicago a strong draft for the second straight year. The Fire also added a pair of forwards in the third round in Jason Herrick and Davis Paul who could add some depth at a thin position.
SBI caught up with Anibaba after he was drafted. Watch our video interview after the jump (and share your thoughts on Chicago's draft in the comments section below):
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/18777855 w=440&h=292]
Jalil Anibaba Draft from Soccer By Ives on Vimeo.