Lemont Soccer Player Achieves Dream with Chicago Fire

LEMONT, IL - Growing up in Lemont, Djordje Mihailovic started kicking around a soccer ball as soon as he could walk. Mihailovic, 18, has continued to play soccer his entire life, and he reached the culmination of his dreams in January when he signed with the Chicago Fire as a homegrown player.

Soccer was always a huge part of Mihailovic's life, as his dad, Aleks, played professionally in the North American Soccer League. He started playing with his dad's club, the Chicago Blast, but eventually joined the Fire Academy.

"I've always wanted to be a professional soccer player," Mihailovic said.

The 18-year-old, who plays midfield, is the ninth homegrown player signing in Chicago Fire history. Mihailovic attended Lemont High School, but did not play soccer at the school.

"Midfield is one of the most important positions, it's always in the action," Mihailovic said. "I think it's a great position, and it fits me really well."

“We consider Djordje to be a bright talent,” said Fire general manager Nelson Rodríguez in a release. “His signing is a credit to the entire U.S. development system. His formation was aided by past and present Academy staff, U.S. Soccer and Brad Friedel, as well as our current first team staff. We will continue to work in helping Djordje realize his full potential.”

According to a release from the Chicago Fire, as a 16-year-old, Mihailovic was instrumental in the Fire's 2015 Under-18 U.S. Soccer Development Academy National Championship run.

The Fire said during the 2015-16 USSDA season, Mihailovic scored 12 goals in 19 games for the Fire. In the 2016-17 season, Mihailovic has scored nine goals in seven games, including three multi-goal games.

At 18, Mihailovic is the youngest member on the Chicago Fire.

"I'm the youngest by two years," he said. "The guys mess around with me, but it's definitely great. They're helping me in the long run, making me stronger."

According to a release from the fire, during the 2015-16 USSDA season, Mihailovic scored 12 goals in 19 games for the Fire. In the 2016-17 season, Mihailovic has scored nine goals in seven games, including three multi-goal games with the U-18 Academy.

"I'm getting to do what I love to do," Mihailovic said.

Photo provided by Chicago Fire.