CHICAGO (Oct. 23, 2021) – Chicago Fire FC today announced that the Club has signed Academy midfielder Sergio Oregel to a Homegrown Player contract. Oregel, 16, has been a standout in the Academy since 2018 and is the 22nd Homegrown signing in Club history. Oregel’s contract, which will begin on Jan. 1, 2022, will run through 2025 with a Club option for 2026.
“Sergio is a talented young midfielder with excellent vision and a strong passion for the game,” said Chicago Fire FC Technical Director Sebastian Pelzer. “We look forward to officially welcoming him to the first team and to continue being a part of his development.”
Oregel is the eighth Homegrown Player to sign with the first team since Jan. 2020. Additionally, with Oregel’s signing, the Club currently has 10 homegrowns under contract through the 2022 season.
“I want say a big thank you to my family, my friends and my coaches who helped me get to this point,” said Oregel. “It’s a dream come true and I’m excited to start playing for my hometown club.”
A native of Chicago, Ill., Oregel originally joined the Fire Academy at the U-14 age level in 2018. During his first season with the Club, he scored nine goals and dished out 15 assists.
Most recently, Oregel was a key part of the Fire U-19 team, which captured the inaugural MLS NEXT U-19 Championship on July 3. Oregel earned the MLS NEXT U-19 Golden Ball, which is awarded to the best player of the tournament in each age division. Led by head coach Ludovic Taillandier and assistant coach Patrick Nyarko, the Fire U-19 squad finished the tournament with a 4-0-0 record. The Fire scored 17 goals, conceding only four.
“Sergio is a talented player with many strong qualities,” said Chicago Fire FC Academy Technical Director Cedric Cattenoy. “He has improved tremendously these past few months. This signing is a great reward for the hard work that Sergio and the Academy staff have put in throughout the years.”
Oregel will be recognized during the pregame ceremonies of tonight’s match against Real Salt Lake at Soldier Field. Beginning at 7:00 p.m. CT, the match will serve as the Club’s annual Fan Appreciation Night. Fans will also be invited to stay after the final whistle for a post-match firework show above Lake Michigan. Tickets are currently available for purchase here.
Transaction: Chicago Fire FC signs Sergio Oregel as a Homegrown Player on Oct. 23, 2021.
Name: Sergio Oregel
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 144 lbs.
Date of Birth: May 16, 2005
Birthplace: Evergreen Park, Ill.
Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
Citizenship: United States of America
High School: Laurel Springs School
