2024 Chicago Fire in Review: Mauricio Pineda

Mauricio Pineda’s fifth professional season with the Chicago Fire didn’t go exactly how the versatile Homegrown would’ve scripted it.

The former North Carolina Tar Heels standout played the fewest minutes of his MLS career in 2024 as he battled a couple knocks that hampered his ability to get in a rhythm as the Fire struggled to get results.

When available, Pineda showcased the versatility that makes a valuable player on any roster as he split time between center back and defensive midfielder under then-head coach Frank Klopas. Pineda fell out of favor in the starting lineup after Chicago shifted to a back five in the middle of the summer as Arnaud Souquet became the primary right center back alongside Rafael Czichos and Carlos Terán.

Pineda’s lone goal of the season was a beauty. He ripped in an effort from distance in the Fire’s 4-1 win over Toronto FC on June 15, helping his side get one of their two road wins of the season.

Pineda remains a high-upside for the Fire under new coach Gregg Berhalter. His positional versatility is a plus and he remains under contract through at least the 2026 Major League Soccer season. He’s a top candidate for a bounce-back year in 2025.