CHICAGO (March 9, 2022) – Chicago Fire FC today announced that the Club has signed Charlie Ostrem to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract, pending league and U.S. Soccer Federation approval. His contract with Chicago Fire FC II will run through the 2022 season, with a club option for 2023. Financial terms were not disclosed.
“We are pleased to welcome Charlie to Chicago,” said Chicago Fire FC Technical Director Sebastian Pelzer. “Since drafting Charlie, he has demonstrated leadership and technical qualities that make him a special player. Charlie’s challenge is to establish himself as one of the top outside backs in MLS NEXT Pro and push for a spot in our first team.”
Ostrem, 22, a defender from Richmond Beach, Wash., played at University of Washington from 2018-21. After earning All-American and 2020-21 PAC-12 Defensive Player of the Year honors following a strong junior campaign, he earned All PAC-12 First Team recognition in his senior season. Ostrem concluded his career at Washington with 75 appearances (61 starts) and 22 assists, ranking ninth all-time for the Huskies.
“Charlie fits perfectly into what we are looking for in a left back for our style of play, combining football, leadership and experience,” said Chicago Fire FC II Head Coach Ludovic Taillandier. “He is tough in battles, he attacks, and he runs the line constantly with so much energy. Charlie has experience playing at this level and his leadership and communication skills will be very instrumental in guiding the team from the backline.”
Earlier this year, Ostrem traveled to Orlando with the Chicago Fire FC first team for preseason training camp.
Transaction: Chicago Fire FC sign defender Charlie Ostrem to MLS NEXT Pro professional contract for 2022 season, with a club option for 2023.
Name: Charlie Ostrem
Position: Defender
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 155 lbs.
Date of Birth: October 12, 1999
Hometown: Richmond Beach, Wash.
Birthplace: Richmond Beach, Wash.
Citizenship: United States of America
Last Club: University of Washington
