Can you miss something you never had? Dominic Cervi, with his huge frame and promising performances for the U.S. Olympic team this spring, looked to be an ideal solution to the Fire's need for depth at the goalkeeping position and for a future starter, given the departure this offseason of Matt Pickens.

But he left before he even arrived. What does this final twist this offseason mean for the Fire?

The Tribune reported today that Cervi, a first round SuperDraft pick a few months ago, will not sign with the Fire. He is reported to be interested in a move to Europe, though only a couple of weeks ago, Backdraft was told he was still expected to sign with the Fire.

Now the Fire are not only out a promising goalkeeper, they've also wasted a first round draft pick that could have been used to bolster a wafer-thin backline or solve that eternal right-midfield conundrum. The margins between success and failure in MLS are growing tighter, making this a disappointing development, to say the least.

We don't know whether the Fire lowballed Cervi, or whether Cervi was asking too much as an unproven goalkeeper.

We do know we've found a final down in what's been an offseason of remarkable turbulence.