The Chicago Fire added to their midfield on Monday, when they announced the signing of 27-year-old John Goossens to a two-year deal with a club option for a third season.
Goossens comes to Chicago after most recently playing for FC Voluntari in the Romanian Liga I, where he had one goal in 14 appearances since joining the club in September.
He had been training with the Fire for the past couple of weeks, and scored a powerful volley in Chicago's preseason scrimmage with the University of Portland on February 19.
“John’s style of play suits our team quite well,” Fire GM Nelson Rodriguez said in a statement released by the club. “He is tidy on the ball. He can score from distance, run at the defense and play the final ball. His experience and willingness to serve as a role model to our younger players is an added plus.”
A former Dutch youth international, Goossens turned pro in 2008, and made his professional debut in 2009 with Dutch Eredivisie club NEC. The left-footed attacking midfielder remained with the club through the 2011-2012 season, totaling 14 goals in 72 league appearances.
Goossens moved to fellow Eredivisie side Feyenoord in the summer of 2012, scoring three goals in 30 league games in two seasons with the club before moving to Indian Super League club Pune City in September 2014.
Goossens’ signing gives the Fire 24 players on their active roster. The Men in Red open the MLS regular season on Sunday, when they’ll host New York City FC at Toyota Park (2 pm ET, MLS LIVE).
