TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signings
The Chicago Fire continued their preparations for their 2018 MLS regular season debut by announcing the signing of defender Kevin Ellis and goalkeeper Patrick McLain on Friday. Both players are signed through the 2018 season, with a club option for Ellis in 2019 and club options in 2019 and 2020 for McLain.
Ellis, 26, joins the Fire after spending his career previously at Sporting KC, where he was a Homegrown signing in 2011. Ellis made 68 MLS regular season appearances and two MLS Cup Playoffs appearances in defense for Sporting, winning the 2013 MLS Cup and the 2015 and 2017 U.S. Open Cups. Ellis also has USL experience, playing on loan at Orlando City, OKC Energy and Swope Park Rangers.
Patrick McLain | USA Today Images
McLain, 29, returns to the Fire after spending the 2017 season with Minnesota United. McLain has one appearance in MLS play with the Fire, in 2016, and has also played professionally at Chivas USA and USL side Sacramento Republic.
"Kevin impressed us with how easily he fit with how we want to play and the group overall. He is ready to compete for playing time," said Nelson RodrÃguez, president and general manager of the Chicago Fire, in a team statement. "Patrick is well known to us and his familiarity with our game model eases his return."
The Fire host Sporting KC in their 2018 season debut on Saturday (6 pm ET | MLS LIVE; on DAZN in Canada).
