MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire And Justin Mapp Agree To Four-Year Contract Extension

Published on September 6, 2008 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


Bridgeview, Ill. (September 6, 2008) - The Chicago Fire announced today they have agreed to terms with midfielder Justin Mapp on a four-year contract extension through the 2011 season. Per team policy terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We are glad we were able to keep a good young player like Justin not only with the Fire but in Major League Soccer," said Fire technical director Frank Klopas. "There are more options than ever before for younger players in our league and it's exciting Justin has decided to continue playing with the Fire."

This season, Mapp, 23, is one of two Chicago players (Jon Busch) to have played in all 22 matches making 21 starts. He has tallied a goal and five assists and his three game-winning assists lead the team.

Mapp, 23, has made 138 appearances (118 starts) in his career with all but three of those games coming as a member of the Fire. He has scored 12 goals and recorded 29 assists since making his Major League Soccer debut in 2002 as a 17 year-old with D.C. United.

He became the fifth youngest player in MLS history when he made his professional debut as a second-half sub on July 24, 2002 against Columbus. The Brandon, Mississippi native is also the youngest player in MLS history to play in 100 games when, at the age of 21 years, 340 days, he played against Los Angeles on September 23, 2006.

Mapp set a career-high in points in 2005 with 14, recording three goals and eight assists. He also earned Sierra Mist Goal of the Week honors as well as Honda MLS Player of the Week after scoring a game-winning goal in stoppage time on Sept. 4, 2005 at Los Angeles. Following his breakout campaign in 2005 Justin continued to impress during the 2006 season and as a result he was selected to the 2006 Radioshack MLS Best XI.

Mapp, who was acquired from D.C. United in a trade for Dema Kovalenko in December 26, 2002, is in his sixth season with the Fire organization.

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