Fire acquire D Allan Arigoni, sign GK Bryan Dowd

The Chicago Fire acquired defender Allan Arigoni from Switzerland's FC Lugano and signed goalkeeper Bryan Dowd to a first-team contract on Monday.

Arigoni, 25, arrives on loan for the 2024 season with an option to purchase. He will occupy an international slot.

"We have been able to closely evaluate Allan during his time with our partner club, FC Lugano," Fire sporting director Georg Heitz said. "Adding a right back during this window was a priority for us, and we believe that Allan's technical and physical abilities are well suited for the League and our game model."

Arigoni recorded three goals in 55 appearances (47 starts) with FC Lugano from 2022-23. The Swiss national played for the Zurich club Grasshopper from 2018-22 before joining Lugano.

Dowd, 21, was the No. 6 overall pick by Chicago in December's MLS SuperDraft. He is under contract for 2024 with club options for the following three seasons.

Dowd led Notre Dame to the 2023 NCAA championship game and was a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy last season. He trained at the Chicago Fire Academy and played for Chicago FC United before joining the Fighting Irish.

"We are very happy to have Bryan back at the Chicago Fire to begin his professional career," Heitz said. "The goalkeeper position has always been a source of pride for the Club, and we believe Bryan has a bright future with the Fire organization. We look forward to working with him to reach his potential."