Chicago Fire Signs Academy Product Gabriel Slonina
March 8, 2019 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release
BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. - The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced today that the Club has signed 14-year-old Academy product Gabriel Slonina. The goalkeeper joins the Fire as the youngest Homegrown Player signing in MLS history and the 13th Homegrown Player signing in Club history. Slonina is also the second-youngest player signing in MLS history. He is under contract with the Fire through the 2022 season with a Club option for the 2023 season.
"Obviously, we believe that Gabriel has high potential," said Chicago Fire Soccer Club President and General Manager Nelson Rodrίguez. "While we would always prefer not to sign players at such a young age, a convergence of factors made his signing at this particular moment the right course of action for everyone. We will be patient and deliberate in advancing Gabriel's development while ensuring he retains some normalcy as a teenager."
To view and download a photo of Slonina, click here.
A native of Addison, Ill., Slonina has spent the past three seasons playing in the Chicago Fire Academy, featuring at the U-14, U-15 and U-17 levels. Throughout his three seasons in the Fire Academy, Slonina made 54 appearances (52 starts) while competing in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) league.
"The pathway to our first team is clear. We will continue to sign those players who exhibit the right mentality and talent," said Chicago Fire Academy Technical Director Cedric Cattenoy. "We have a development plan in place for Gabriel and we look forward to continuing to work with him."
At the international level, Slonina has been called in to the U-14 and U-15 United States Boys' National Teams for training camps. Most recently, Slonina joined the U-15 USBNT for its first training camp of the year at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., from Jan. 29-Feb. 6.
Transaction: The Chicago Fire Soccer Club signs goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina as a Homegrown Player on March 8, 2019.
Name: Gabriel Slonina
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6-4
Weight: 196 lbs.
Date of Birth: May 15, 2004
Birthplace: Addison, Ill.
Citizenship: United States of America, Poland
• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...
Major League Soccer Stories from March 8, 2019
- Game Notes: Sounders FC vs. Colorado Rapids - March 9, 2019 - Seattle Sounders FC
- Earthquakes Defender Marcos Lopez Called to the Peruvian National Team - San Jose Earthquakes
- Impact Takes on Houston Dynamo Saturday - Club de Foot Montreal
- Match Preview: ATL UTD 2 vs. Hartford Athletic - Atlanta United FC
- LA Galaxy Sign Forward Ethan Zubak - LA Galaxy
- Chicago Fire Signs Academy Product Gabriel Slonina - Chicago Fire FC
- Earthquakes to Host FIFA Women's World Cup Viewing Parties at Avaya Stadium - San Jose Earthquakes
- Game Preview: New England Revolution vs. Columbus Crew Sc - New England Revolution
- FC Dallas vs LA Galaxy: 5 Things You Need to Know about the Match - FC Dallas
- Preview: Minnesota United FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes - Minnesota United FC
- FC Cincinnati Loan Emery Welshman to Forge FC - FC Cincinnati
- FC Cincinnati Foundation Partners with Flying Pig Marathon for FCC3 - FC Cincinnati
- Match Preview: Columbus Crew SC Travels to Gillette Stadium to Face the New England Revolution on Saturday - Columbus Crew SC
- Preview: Sporting Hosts Philadelphia in MLS Home Opener Sunday - Sporting Kansas City
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Chicago Fire FC Stories
- Mexican League Powerhouse Club América and English Premier League Historic Club Aston Villa to Face off as Part of Leagues Cup Showcase
- Chicago Fire FC Weekly Update
- Chicago Fire FC Falls 4-0 to Real Salt Lake at Soldier Field
- Chicago Fire FC Announces New Partnership with Shedd Aquarium
- Chicago Fire FC Weekly Update