Chicago Fire Sign Omar González

The Chicago Fire have officially added a veteran presence to their center back room as the club has signed defender Omar Gonzalez to a one-year contract with a team option for 2026.

News of the deal was first reported by Alex Calabrese of Men In Red 97.

The 2009 MLS Rookie of the Year, González had been training with the Fire since the beginning of the preseason and even played 45 minutes in their most recent preseason fixture at the Coachella Valley Invitational in California.

Chicago Fire director of football and head coach Gregg Berhalter, who played with González when the two were with the LA Galaxy, told the media in Chicago last week that he valued the center back’s experience in the locker room and has now added him to the club for at least one season.

"Omar brings not only his experience as a seasoned defender but also a championship-winning mentality to the Club,” said Gregg Berhalter in the announcement. “Having lifted multiple trophies and battled on the biggest stages, Omar will strengthen our backline and add valuable competition and depth. His consistency, resilience, and leadership, built through years of success in MLS and international play, set a high standard, and we look forward to his positive impact on the team.”

González began his professional career in 2009 after three seasons at the University of Maryland and has amassed over 475 matches played since then. He spent time with the Galaxy, Toronto FC, the New England Revolution and, most recently FC Dallas in MLS while also spending time in Liga MX with Pachuca and Atlas.

A veteran of the United States Men’s National Team, González has 52 caps with the USMNT, including three appearances in the 2014 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Brazil.