2023 Chicago Fire in Review: The Goalkeepers

Brady exceeded all expectations in his first full season with the Fire’s first team, making 30 starts during the 2023 MLS season. Brady became the second-youngest goalkeeper in MLS history (Gabriel Slonina) to record a clean sheet after making three saves on April 1 against DC United less than a month after turning 19. The Naperville native had 10 clean sheets overall despite facing the sixth-most shots on target in MLS (134), per fbref. He was top-10 in MLS in clean sheets, save percentage, and saves while nursing a few knocks that arose during the season.

Brady grew into the role as starting goalkeeper, telling On Tap Sports Net exclusively in June that he was surprised that he could find comfort so quickly in such a high-pressure role with the Fire. The goalkeeper exemplified that contentment when he hammered in a penalty kick during the Fire’s match against Liga MX’s Club Puebla in the inaugural Leagues Cup despite dealing with nonsensical decisions from the referees during the penalty kicks.

The goalkeeper’s on-pitch highlight was his performance in the Fire’s 0-0 draw against CF Montreal in September. Chicago desperately needed a result on the road and Brady made two massive saves down the stretch to snap the Fire's six-match losing streak in all competitions.

Spencer Richey

Richey was everything the Fire needed from a veteran backup goalkeeper in 2023. He was a reliable option for Chicago when starter Chris Brady was unavailable and helped guide the Fire to the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals while proving to be a wonderful mentor for the young ‘keeper on and off the pitch.

Richey made 11 appearances (nine starts) for the Fire in all competitions, collecting two clean sheets while also making two starts for Fire II in MLS Next Pro.

Richey’s on-pitch highlight of the 2023 season was his match-saving stop in the 93rd minute of the Fire’s 3-2 win over Minnesota United in the Leagues Cup. Chicago had come back from a goal down multiple times and the former Washington Huskies goalkeeper secured his side’s victory with a massive stop.

Jeffrey Gal

Gal didn't make an appearance with Chicago’s first team in 2023 and was only an unused substitute for a handful of matches when Chris Brady was injured. Gal did feature frequently for the Fire’s reserves squad in MLS Next Pro where he had three clean sheets in 13 starts.

2024 Chicago Fire Goalkeeper Outlook

The starting goalkeeper job is Chris Brady’s in 2024, but the backup ‘keeper's performance will be crucial to Chicago’s success with the busy soccer calendar ahead. Chicago can expect to be without Brady during the Olympic Games in Paris and has already added depth to the position by drafting Notre Dame’s Bryan Dowd in the first round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft.