TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Extension
Dax McCarty was a hit in his first year in the Windy City, and now he'll be sticking around for another couple years.
The Chicago Fire announced Thursday afternoon that they'd signed the 30-year-old defensive midfielder to a two-year contract extension. McCarty's deal is guaranteed through 2019 and contains a club option for the 2020 season.
"After taking time to reflect on the 2017 season, I've come away with a very clear picture of what the future looks like for the Chicago Fire,” McCarty said in a statement provided by the team. "Although the year did not end how any of us would have liked, I believe we’re on course to becoming a perennial contender for trophies like Fire teams of old. Together with the fans, our club can build on the foundation laid last season and now set our sights even higher. I’m excited to be in Chicago long term and am looking forward to getting back on the field soon."
McCarty, who arrived in January 2017 in a surprise trade from the New York Red Bulls, played an instrumental part in turning around the fortunes of a team coming off back-to-back last-place finishes in the Eastern Conference. The Fire posted a 16-11-7 record for the season, good for third in the Eastern Conference, but were eliminated in the Knockout Round by the Red Bulls.
A 12-year MLS veteran, McCarty tallied five assists across 28 regular-season appearances in 2017, including his 300th career regular season game in a 4-1 win against San Jose on Sept. 27.
“Dax has proven himself across MLS as a respected opponent, and we believe his best years remain in front of him,” said Fire general manager Nelson Rodríguez. “Dax is a very important player for us and how we play. Extending his contract is a key piece in our continued efforts to build a championship program.”
