CHICAGO (July 24, 2020) – Chicago Fire FC announced today the Club has loaned goalkeeper Chris Brady, forward Alex Monis and midfielder Allan RodrÃguez to its USL League One affiliate, Forward Madison FC. The Fire retains the right to recall Brady, Monis and Rodriguez at any point, subject to MLS roster compliance guidelines.
Brady, 16, was signed as the 19th Homegrown Player in Club history on March 24. A native of Naperville, Ill., Brady originally joined the Chicago Fire Academy in 2017. During his time with the Fire Academy, Brady made 48 appearance (48 starts) at the U-14, U-15, U-16 and U-17 levels.
Monis, 16, joined the Fire’s first team as the 18th Homegrown Player in Club history on March 11. A native of Naperville, Ill., Monis has been with the Club since 2015, featuring in the Fire Juniors and Academy programs. Prior to signing with the first team, Monis made 78 appearances (67 starts). In 19 appearances (18 starts) for the Academy, Monis scored ten goals and added two assists.
RodrÃguez, 16, became the 20th Homegrown Player signing in Club history on March 25. After being identified by the Indiana Fire Academy scouting staff, the Elkhart, Ind., native joined the Indiana Fire in the fall of 2017. In January 2019, RodrÃguez transferred to the Chicago Fire Academy, making 21 appearances (15 starts).
The Fire and Forward Madison previously announced an affiliation between the two Clubs on March 5. Through the affiliation, Fire players on loan will receive an opportunity to continue their development in USL League One while being afforded a clear pathway to the first team.
Coached by former Chicago Fire assistant coach Daryl Shore, Madison finished its inaugural campaign in 2019 with an overall record of 12-7-9. The Flamingos’ first season was highlighted by an exceptional U.S. Open Cup run, as the club went further than any other League One team, eventually falling to Saint Louis FC in the third round of play.
Forward Madison will begin play in the USL League One with an away match against North Texas SC at 8:00 p.m. CT on Saturday, July 25. Forward Madison will play 16 games this year during a four-month USL League One regular season. The Flamingos are set to play eight home games at Hart Park in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin with crowds limited to under 30 percent capacity.
Fan and stadium safety protocols are outlined in the club's COVID-19 Readiness Plan and include mandatory face masks in the facility, a socially distanced seat map and significantly reduced capacity. The club’s plan has been approved by the City of Wauwatosa’s Health Department. USL League One’s Board of Governors voted earlier this month to return to play in 2020, with the first games beginning on July 18.
Transaction: Chicago Fire FC loans goalkeeper Chris Brady, forward Alex Monis and midfielder Allan RodrÃguez to Forward Madison FC.
