CHICAGO (Aug. 9, 2017) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club have acquired defender Christian Dean from Vancouver Whitecaps FC in exchange for $50,000 of General Allocation Money, an additional $50,000 of conditional Targeted Allocation Money in the event Dean starts 12 or more 2018 regular season matches for the Fire, as well as a percentage of any future transfer fees, which is on a sliding scale and expires following the first transfer window of 2020. Dean is contracted through the 2018 season with club options for 2019 and 2020.

“Christian adds a complimentary skill set to our back line and with his versatility, we expect him to compete for playing time,” said Fire general manager Nelson Rodríguez.

After a standout collegiate career at the University of California-Berkley, Dean was selected in the first round (third overall) of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft by the Whitecaps. He made his professional debut as a second half substitute in the Whitecaps’ 1-1 draw at Chivas USA on March 16, 2014.

The East Palo Alto, Calif. native started 14 of 21 appearances across all competitions for the Whitecaps over the course of four seasons and also made 14 USL appearances for Whitecaps 2.

Transaction: Chicago Fire SC acquire Christian Dean from Vancouver Whitecaps FC in exchange for $50,000 of General Allocation Money, an additional $50,000 of conditional Targeted Allocation Money in the event Dean starts 12 or more 2018 regular season matches for the Fire, as well as a percentage of any future transfer fees, which is on a sliding scale and expires following the first transfer window of 2020.

Player: Christian Dean

Position: Defender

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 200 pounds

Date of Birth: March 14, 1993

Birthplace: Alvin, Texas

Hometown: East Palo Alto, Calif.