CHICAGO (Jan. 16, 2024) - Chicago Fire FC today announced that the Club has signed defender Jaylen Shannon to an MLS NEXT Pro contract through the 2024 season. Financial details were not disclosed. Additionally, Shannon will join the Chicago Fire FC First Team during preseason training at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
“It is exciting to welcome Jaylen to Chicago Fire FC II.” said Chicago Fire FC II General Manager Alex Boler. “Jaylen is a versatile defender that provides depth on our backline. Since his time at Western Michigan, he’s proven that his defensive prowess is very strong, and we’re excited to welcome him into our Club.”
Shannon, 23, joins Chicago Fire FC II after spending the last six years with Western Michigan University at the collegiate level. During his time with the Broncos, he was a key piece of the 2023 team that claimed the Missouri Valley Conference championship, the first title in program history. In 77 total appearances with the Broncos, Shannon has recorded three goals and seven assists, claiming United Soccer Coaches All-American honors in 2023 as well as Second Team All-MAC honors in 2022.
“We are very excited to welcome Jaylen to the Fire,” said Chicago Fire FC II head coach Ludovic Taillandier. “He is a player with a great mentality, and his skill set works well with what we are trying to build within our Club. He will be a great addition to our roster.”
A native of St. Joseph, Mich., Shannon attended St. Joesph High School where he anchored the backline to a Super Y National Championship in 2016. At the club level, Shannon was a member of Kingdom Soccer Club Academy. During his time with KSC, he led the academy to a Kalamazoo State Championship title in 2017.Â
Following his tenure at the academy level, Shannon committed to Western Michigan University in 2018, where he was awarded with Academic All-MAC honors on three occasions with the Broncos.
Transaction: Chicago Fire FC II signs defender Jaylen Shannon to an MLS NEXT Pro contract through the 2024 season.
Name: Jaylen ShannonÂ
Position: DefenderÂ
Height: 6’2Â
Weight: 190Â
Date of Birth: February 2, 2000Â
Hometown: St. Joseph, Mich.Â
Birthplace: St. Joseph, Mich. Â
Citizenship: USAÂ
Last Club: Western Michigan University (NCAA)
