Chicago Fire Homegrown midfielder Allan Rodríguez earned the first start and appearance of his professional career on Saturday night in Forward Madison's 1-0 road defeat against the Richmond Kickers.
The 16-year-old has been on loan with Madison -- the Fire's USL League One affiliates -- since July 24, alongside fellow 2020 Homegrown signings Alex Monis and Chris Brady. Rodriguez was included in head coach Daryl Shore's lineup from the outset on Saturday, and played 62 minutes before being substituted for midfielder Brandon Eaton.
Monis additionally featured for Madison, entering the match in the 63rd minute as a substitute for forward Jamael Cox.
Rodríguez became the 20th Homegrown Player signing in Club history earlier this year, when he signed on March 25. The Elkhart, Ind., native was previously a member of the Indiana Fire Academy, which he joined in the fall of 2017. In January 2019, Rodríguez transferred to the Chicago Fire Academy, where he made 21 appearances (15 starts).
Following Saturday's result, Madison are currently 0-2-1 through their first three matches of USL League One regular season play. They'll next return home to take on South Georgia Tormenta FC on Friday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. CT.
