CHICAGO
(March 9, 2018)
– The Chicago Fire Soccer Club added defender Kevin Ellis and goalkeeper Patrick McLain to the roster on Friday. Ellis is guaranteed through the 2018 season with a club option for 2019. McLain is guaranteed through the 2018 season with club options for 2019 and 2020.
“Kevin impressed us with how easily he fit with how we want to play and the group overall. He is ready to compete for playing time,” stated Nelson Rodríguez, president and general manager of the Chicago Fire. “Patrick is well known to us and his familiarity with our game model eases his return.”
Ellis signed his first professional contract with Sporting Kansas City prior to the start of the 2011 season. The Kansas City native made his MLS debut on June 29, 2013 when he entered in the second half of a 3-2 win over Columbus Crew SC. Ellis appeared in 68 total regular season matches over the course of seven seasons, and scored five goals and added five assists. He additionally appeared in three postseason matches and scored a goal in the Western Conference Knockout Round on Oct. 29, 2015.
Ellis spent time on loan with Orlando City in 2013, Oklahoma City Energy in 2014 and Swope Park Rangers in 2016-17. He was waived by Sporting Kansas City on Feb. 28, 2018 and joined the Men in Red as a trialist shortly after.
McLain returns for his second stint with the Men in Red. Originally signed on Jan. 18, 2016 after spending the 2015 season with USL side Sacramento Republic FC, McLain made one appearance for the Fire, playing in the season finale against Toronto FC on Oct. 23, 2016.
A Eau Claire, Wis. native, McLain signed with Chivas USA on March 15, 2012 after a collegiate career at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He made his MLS debut for Chivas USA on May 5, 2013 when he entered in the 54th minute against Sporting KC. McLain, who has three career league appearances to his credit, spent the 2017 season with Minnesota United FC.
Transaction: Chicago Fire Soccer Club signs Kevin Ellis and Patrick McLain
Name: Kevin Ellis
Position: Defender
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 160 lbs.
Born: June 30, 1991
Hometown: Kansas City, Mo
Last Club: Sporting Kansas City
Name: Patrick McLain
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 205 lbs.
Born: Aug. 22, 1988
Hometown: Eau Claire, WI
Last Club: Minnesota United FC
