BRIDGEVIEW, IL - Chicago Fire Soccer announced today the signing of rookie forward Jerson Monteiro, the Fire's 8th overall pick in the first round of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft. Per Major League Soccer policy, terms of the contract were not released. Monteiro will fill the remaining tenth Developmental roster spot on Chicago's 28-man roster and will count as a domestic player.
"We're very excited for Jerson that he has been cleared to be a part of our roster," said Fire Head Coach Dave Sarachan. "We drafted Jerson in the first round this year because we felt he was a guy that impressed in the Combine as a forward that has the versatility to play with his back to goal, but also when he faces players he can be a dangerous threat. I think having him now eligible for us gives us another attacking option."
A native of Luanda, Angola, Monteiro previously resided in the United States by way of political asylum status. He has since been cleared for permanent residency and will receive his green card as a result. Monteiro has been with the club since the preseason, while awaiting for final residency approval before playing an official Fire match.
"It was hard, but I give him a lot of credit. Although he was frustrated he still came to work everyday and put a lot into it, with the hope that at one day when he's cleared he'd be ready physically," said Sarachan. "I'm told that in the afternoons when he goes home he does extra running, so he's highly motivated. It's been a tough stretch for him mentally, but given everything I think he came through it well."
A four-year starter at UAB, Monteiro was a three-time All-Conference USA player with the Blazers, named to the First Team in 2006 and Third Team in 2003 and 2005. Monteiro notched 34 goals and 16 assists in 77 collegiate appearances, 74 of which were starts. He shined his brightest during his Senior season, when he scored a career-best 14 goals and seven assists in 20 contests.
15 Jerson Monteiro
Position: Forward
Height: 6'0" (1.83 m)
Weight: 170 lbs. (77 kg)
Born: April 28, 1985 in Luanda, Angola
Hometown: Houston, TX
Citizenship: Angola/United States
Last Club: University of Alabama-Birmingham
How Acquired: Drafted in the first round (8th overall) of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft
