Chicago Fire FC signs MVP after record-breaking year in MLS NEXT Pro | OneFootball

The Chicago Fire FC made a serious move to revamp its roster and hopefully break its long MLS playoff drought. The club announced the signing of David Poreba, a 22-year-old midfielder named MVP of MLS NEXT Pro 2024. After an outstanding season with Chicago Fire FC II, Poreba joins the senior team as both an investment in the future and a source of hope for fans who are hungry for good news.

Born in Lake Zurich, Illinois, David Poreba definitely personifies growth through just effort and determination. A product of the Chicago Fire Academy, his journey took him around the globe before eventually cementing his talent into the player we see today. At Stal Mielec in Poland and Crown Legacy FC in MLS NEXT Pro, key steps in his development greeted the player who dominated in 2024.

It was with Chicago Fire II, however, that Poreba truly made his mark. Over the last season, he netted 18 goals and provided 6 assists in 28 matches, a performance that earned him the MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot and the league's MVP award. For a midfielder, his knack for scoring was exceptional. Add to that his leadership qualities, and Poreba stood out in every possible way, rising to become captain of Fire II and technical leader on the pitch.

Chicago Fire bets on homegrown talent

David Poreba's rise to the senior team is anything but symbolic. The pressure on the club is immense after finishing 15th in the Eastern Conference in 2024 and failing to qualify for the Audi MLS Cup playoffs for the seventh consecutive year. Here comes Gregg Berhalter, fresh from his time at USMNT, and he knows what's next: to rebuild the team smartly and with the result in mind.

Besides being well-deserved, Poreba's signing represents the kind of player fans love to root for: a homegrown talent ready to shine for the very club that developed him. In a moment when trust in the first team has been at a low point for years, bringing in a player like Poreba-who pairs standout performance with local roots-is a decision that feels both strategic and justified.

Gregg Berhalter captured this sentiment perfectly when discussing the new addition: “David earned this opportunity after an impressive season with Chicago Fire FC II, where he was named MVP and Golden Boot winner. He’s a promising young player with strong leadership qualities, and we’re excited to see his continued development at the next level.”