CHICAGO (March 24, 2020) – Chicago Fire FC announced today that the Club has signed Academy goalkeeper Chris Brady to a Homegrown Player contract. Brady, 16, is the 19th Homegrown signing in Club history. He is under contract with the Fire until 2023 with a Club option for 2024.

“We’re excited about the quality that Chris brings at the goalkeeper position,” said Head Coach Raphael Wicky. “He’s shown at trainings this preseason that he is ready to take the next step with the first team and gain valuable experience as a professional as he continues to develop in a competitive environment.”

A native of Naperville, Ill., Brady joined the Chicago Fire Academy in 2017 after playing for Roadrunners Soccer Club and has since featured at the U-14, U-15, U-16 and U-17 levels while training under Academy goalkeeper coach Igor Dimov. Throughout his four seasons with the Fire Academy, Brady made 48 appearances (48 starts) while competing in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) league.

“Everyone within the Academy is proud to see Chris take this next step in his career,” said Chicago Fire FC Academy Technical Director Cedric Cattenoy. “He’s a talented goalkeeper and between the Academy and trainings with the first team staff, Chris will continue to develop as one of the best talents at his position.”

Brady earned his first international call-up to the U-15 U.S. Boys’ National Team during the 2019 season, participating in the team’s domestic training camp in Carson, Calif. Most recently, Brady was a member of the U-15 U.S. Boys’ National Team for the 2019 Concacaf U-15 Boy’s Championship.

Transaction: Chicago Fire Football Club signs Chris Brady as a Homegrown Player on March 24, 2020.

Name: Chris Brady

Position: Goalkeeper

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 170

Date of Birth: March 3, 2004

Birthplace: Naperville, Ill.

Citizenship: United States of America