CHICAGO (April 19, 2022) – Chicago Fire FC today announced that the Club has exercised the 2023 contract option for Homegrown goalkeeper Gabriel “Gaga” Slonina.
Slonina, 17, originally signed with the Fire as a 14-year-old on March 8, 2019, becoming the second-youngest player signing in MLS history at the time. The 2021 campaign marked a record-setting season for the Chicago native, with Slonina becoming the youngest goalkeeper in MLS history to start and record a shutout in a 0-0 draw with New York City FC on Aug. 4.
Slonina capped off 2021 by earning his first-ever call-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team on Dec. 3, before earning a subsequent call-up for FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Jan. 6, 2022. So far this season, Slonina has tallied a league-high five shutouts in the Fire’s first seven games, anchoring the stingiest defense in MLS.
Additionally, with the Club’s 0-0 draw against the LA Galaxy on Saturday, Slonina became the first goalkeeper in league history to record nine shutouts before turning 21 years of age, accomplishing the feat in just 18 professional starts and appearances.
Transaction: Chicago Fire FC exercise the 2023 contract option on goalkeeper Gaga Slonina.
