This is obviously good news because it will give Kellen a c to get regular minutes that he simply can't get in Chicago right now. Like Victor Pineda the last 2 years, he is getting closer to being on the cusp of the gameday 18. While he is still young and there is a lot of work to do, simply put the kid has talent. The loan will allow him to get more experience and hopefully push for a spot next pre-season.
Here's the official press release from the club:
Chicago Fire Loan Kellen Gulley to the Atlanta Silverbacks
Forward Joins NASL Side for Remainder of 2013 Season
CHICAGO, Ill. (April 1, 2013) - The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Monday that the club has loaned forward Kellen Gulley to the Atlanta Silverbacks. The 18-year-old Homegrown striker is currently training with the NASL side. Per club and MLS policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"This loan is a great opportunity for Kellen to earn consistent playing time," said Fire President of Soccer Operations Javier Leon. "Kellen is a young player with great potential. We are looking forward to monitoring his development and progress while he is in Atlanta."
Gulley joined the Fire on Aug. 11, 2011 as the second Homegrown Player in club history. A product of the Mississippi Fire Juniors, Gulley earned valuable experience in MLS Reserve League and U.S. Soccer Development Academy matches during the 2012 season.
Born in Clinton, Miss., Gulley was named to the U.S. Soccer U-17 Residency Program in January 2010 and earned eight caps at the U-17 level, tallying four goals during international competition in 2009 and 2010.
Name: Kellen Gulley
Position: Forward
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 185 lbs.
Date of Birth: April 6, 1994
Place of Birth: Clinton, MS
Hometown: Clinton, MS
Citizenship: USA
Departed: Loaned to Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) April 1, 2013
ABOUT CHICAGO FIRE SOCCER CLUB
Founded on the 126th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire on October 8, 1997, the Chicago Fire Soccer Club enters its 16th Major League Soccer season. The Fire won the MLS Cup in its inaugural campaign in 1998 and was crowned champion of U.S. Soccer's national tournament, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, in 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2006. The Fire play at TOYOTA PARK, a world-class soccer stadium, located in Bridgeview, IL. For more information on the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, please visit the club's official website at www.Chicago-Fire.com.