Q&A | Goalkeeper Jeff Gal on his long road home

Chicago Fire goalkeeper Jeff Gal made his very first appearance in Chicago colors during the team’s preseason friendly against the Colorado Switchbacks on Feb. 11.

Gal arrived at the club this offseason following a six-year stint in Sweden, where he finished his time with Degerfors IF after making 26 appearances for the club.

Prior to making his first appearance in Fire colors, the 29-year old sat down with ChicagoFireFC.com during preseason in the 2023 Desert Showcase in Tucson, Arizona. The conversation went over the Chicago native going full circle professionally and being able to come home to play in MLS for the very first time.

With this new chapter unfolding in his career, Gal opened up about his time overseas in Sweden, and what it means to him to get the opportunity to play at home.

ChicagoFireFC.com: How did the conversation go to get you here to Chicago?

Jeff Gal: My agent was in contact with a few different clubs. Then Chicago came into the picture. That felt like a no-brainer, to be able to come home to play for them. So it was a very easy decision.

CFFC: Tell us about your connection to Chicago?

JG: I was born and raised in Chicago, and, you know, started playing soccer at five, six years old. (I) grew up playing for my hometown of Bartlett, Illinois, Bartlett Hawks, and then made the switch over to Chicago Sockers. And then I went to school, but you know, obviously playing in Chicago, through my childhood, I attended a lot of games. Growing up, with your youth soccer teams, you know, they get the teams together and everyone gets down to see plenty of games. So now I'm here.

CFFC: Describe your playing style?

JG: I'm very good at reading the play. I usually play high off my line. I'm good with my feet. So I have a very good connection with my backline. I would say I'm an attacking style goalkeeper. Obviously, I can save the ball as well. Those are my main strengths.

CFFC: How do you feel like you are going to prove yourself, showing you belong on the roster?

JG: Obviously, it's just step-by-step. You know, like you said, there's one spot on the pitch. That's the toughest part about the job, but to go in every single day, work hard and, you know, obviously prove my worth. It's not going to be easy, but I'm up for the challenge. And that's why I accepted to be here.

CFFC: What has it been like to be coached by Chicago Fire legend Zach Thornton?

JG: It's awesome. You know, obviously growing up and you see him in the goal and say you want to be there one day. Now, for him to be my coach, it's been amazing. He's very good. He's very detail-oriented. He knows what he wants, and we get to work every day. Playing for Zach Thornton has been amazing.

CFFC: What did you learn in your time in Sweden and how can that be applied in MLS?

JG: The main important thing was to find out who I am as a person and as a player. It was a change, right, to grow up fast, you know, moving there on my own. And just adapting to different cultures, different styles of play. So to be able to bring that all into one piece now, and continuing to run with it.

CFFC: How has your perspective as a player changed after becoming a father?

JG: Yeah, of course, you play for your family, your friends, your fiance, but to bring a baby into this world, it's been amazing. I feel like my game has reached another level, just, you know, to have a daughter home for you that's going to be proud to see her father performing. So, it's been awesome.

CFFC: How has preseason helped you gel with players off and on the field to impact the upcoming season?

JG: I think it plays a big part. You know, obviously, we get to be away with just the team for two weeks in Mexico to now two weeks here in Tucson. You learn a lot of things, you get with the group, you become closer. Everything is more hands on, you know, our schedules are pretty set so it's like everyone knows what they're doing. And then you obviously learn as time goes on. I've been here for a little bit. We're a hard-working group of guys, everyone wants to win. That's the most important thing. And I think Ezra and the coaching staff have really preached that. And so far, everyone's bought in, you know, as long as we continue to do that, hopefully good things are coming.

CFFC: What’s the overall feeling to be back home, what does it mean for you to play for this team?

JG: It means everything to be home in Chicago, you know, first, my family who's been with me on this journey from the beginning to now come home. It's going to be special for myself, and I think it's going to be even more special for them. So they'll enjoy it. I think I'm gonna get chills to be honest with you. Yeah, to be at games, you know, when you're 10 years old, to now be 29 years old, and to put on the crest is going to be a pretty special feeling.

CFFC: What makes Chicago special or different from any other MLS city?

JG: When you step downtown, especially in the summer, you get everything - Lake Michigan, shopping, food. For me, that's tough to beat.

You can see Jeff Gal and the rest of Chicago Fire FC as the Club will officially kick off its 2023 season at Soldier Field on Saturday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. CT against New York City FC. Tickets to the match can be purchased here. The contest will also be broadcast live on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.