CHICAGO(Dec. 11, 2016) – The Chicago Fire announced Sunday that the club has acquired General Allocation Money from Atlanta United FC in exchange for goalkeeper Sean Johnson.
"Sean has defended our badge with passion and honor and we are thankful,” said Fire general manager Nelson Rodríguez. “We wish him well and he will always be a treasured member of our Fire family.”
READ: Sean Johnson's letter to Chicago Fire community
The Lilburn, Ga. native began his professional career with the Fire as a fourth round selection (51st overall) of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft after two years as the University of Central Florida’s starting ‘keeper.
The 2014 Chicago Fire MVP and two-time Fire Defensive Player of the Year, Johnson started 176 regular season matches for the Men in Red, making 548 saves and tallying 36 shutouts en route to a 1.42 goals against average.
“The past seven years has been an incredible journey starting with a dream turned into an opportunity, eventually becoming a place that I am proud to call home,” said Johnson. “I never thought this day would come, but unfortunately this chapter of my life is coming to a close. I would like to thank Andrew Hauptman and the Chicago Fire organization for giving me the opportunity to represent this club. I’ll be embarking on another journey that I’m excited and thankful for but I wish the Fire nothing but the best in the future. It has truly been an absolute honor to wear the badge.”
The 27-year-old made his international debut for the United States on Jan. 22, 2011 and has been capped five times.
Player: Sean Everet Johnson
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 217 pounds
Date of Birth: May 31, 1989
Hometown: Lilburn, Ga.
Citizenship: USA
College: University of Central Florida
Departed: Traded to Atlanta United FC on Dec. 11, 2016