CHICAGO (March 11, 2020) – Chicago Fire FC announced today that the Club has signed Academy forward Alex Monis to a Homegrown Player contract. Monis, 16, is the 18th Homegrown signing in Club history. He is under contract with the Fire until 2023 with a Club option for 2024.

“We’re pleased to announce Alex as a Homegrown signing for the Chicago Fire,” said Head Coach Raphael Wicky. “Alex is a talented player and while this is a big step, we believe he is ready to develop within the first team environment and continue to sharpen his soccer abilities.”

Monis, a native of Naperville, Ill., has been a part of the Fire since 2015 when he joined the Club. As part of the Fire Juniors and Academy programs, Monis has appeared in 78 matches (67 starts). In 19 appearances (18 starts) for the Academy, Monis scored ten goals and added two assists.

Internationally, Monis has been a consistent presence with the U.S. Soccer Youth National Teams. Monis was most recently a member of the U-16 Boys’ National Team that captured the 2019 Nike International Friendlies title against Turkey. In the final match, Monis slotted a perfect through ball to U.S. teammate Dante Sealy that earned the game-winning goal for the United States.

“Alex has proven he is a great player not only within the Fire Academy, but at the international youth level,” said Chicago Fire FC Academy Technical Director Cedric Cattenoy. “This is an amazing opportunity for Alex that he has earned and will continue to develop his skills in a competitive environment.”

The Chicago Fire play a third consecutive away game on Saturday, March 14, taking on Orlando City SC at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. CT, the match will be broadcast live on WGN-TV and ESPN+ and aired in Spanish on TUDN Radio WRTO 1200 AM. The pregame show, presented by CIBC, will begin on ESPN+ at 6:15 p.m. CT.

Chicago will officially make its return to Soldier Field on Saturday, March 21 when the team hosts Atlanta United FC in its 2020 home opener at 2:30 p.m. CT (Univision and WVIV Latino Mix 93.5 FM). Single-match tickets for all 17 of the Fire’s home games are available by calling 888-MLS-FIRE or by clicking here.

Transaction: Chicago Fire Football Club signs Alex Monis as a Homegrown Player on March 11, 2020.

Name: Alex Monis

Position: Forward

Height: 5’6”

Weight: 133 lbs.

Date of Birth: March 20, 2003

Birthplace: Downers Grove, Ill.

Hometown: Naperville, Ill.

Citizenship: United States of America