Mauricio Pineda signs new, multi-year contract with the Fire

Pandemic aside, Mauricio Pineda had a dream rookie season in 2020. He signed a pro contract with the Chicago Fire, started for the club in his very first match, scored the game winner at the MLS is Back tournament against the Seattle Sounders, led the club in minutes, was named the team’s Defensive Player of the Year, and earned his first call up to U.S. Men’s National Team camp.

And now, he closes the year by signing a new contract. The Fire announced today Pineda has signed a new deal that runs through through the 2023 season, with a club option for 2024. This is a brand new contract, replacing the one Pineda signed earlier this season.

The move, which was first reported by Brian Sandalow of the Chicago Sun-Times, was officially announced today.

“Mauricio’s potential was clear from the time he joined the team and he continued to show progress throughout a successful rookie campaign,” Fire Sporting Director Georg Heitz said in a statement. “He is a fundamental piece of the future for this Club and we are excited to secure him long-term as he continues to develop.”

The Bolingbrook, Ill. native registered a team-high 2,022 minutes, and became the first Homegrown in Fire history to start every match of his rookie season. He proved to be versatile as well, beginning the season in midfield before Gaston Gimenez’s arrival, then dropping to play center back alongside Francisco Calvo for the remainder of the season.