The Chicago Fire signed first-round pick Matt Polster to an MLS contract, the club announced on Wednesday.
Capable of playing center back or defensive midfielder, Polster was selected with the No. 7 pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft on Jan. 15, an emotional day for he and his family at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The SIU-Edwardsville product, originally from Las Vegas, has now officially been added to the Fire's roster.
“It’s an honor to sign my first professional contract with the Fire,” Polster said in a club statement. “It’s a weight off my shoulders so I can focus on performing well, but it’s also added motivation for me to continue my development as a player and contribute as much as I can to the team.”
At SIU-Edwardsville, Polster started all 79 matches in which he appeared, tallying six goals and 12 assists. Polster earned 2014 NSCAA All-West Region First Team, 2014 NSCAA Scholar All-America First Team, 2012 NSCAA All-West Region First Team and 2011 Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year honors while in college.
The 2010-11 Nevada Boys Soccer Player of the Year, Polster played for the Colorado Rapids at the 2010 SUM U-17 Cup and made three appearances for the Chicago Fire PDL squad in 2014.
