Chicago Fire Signs Naperville Native Michael Stephens

Photo Credit: Chicago Fire website

The Chicago Fire has signed a 25-year-old Naperville native.

Midfielder Michael Stephens will be returning to his hometown club after spending his 2014 season playing in Norway. He spent four years with the LA Galaxy before that, according to a Chicago Fire press release.

“It’s very exciting,” Stephens told Chicago-Fire.com Monday. “I’ve been a fan of the club for a long time -- since the inaugural season I’ve been following the team. To get this opportunity is something I didn’t think I could pass up. I had a good experience playing with the Fire PDL team, I have connections to the club and to the area so it seemed like a really good opportunity for me.”

Stephens told the Chicago Tribune he has flexibility in playing several different positions.

“In my first five years professionally I’ve played in multiple positions during the season,” Stephens said in the Chicago Tribune article. “Obviously, I’d like to find a role on the team and lock something down, but I think my versatility is also going to help me.

The Naperville native was selected in the first round by the LA Galaxy in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft after a standout four-year collegiate career at UCLA, where he started 78 of 81 appearances, helping the Bruins to four NCAA tournament appearances, according to a Chicago Fire press release.

Stephens, who made his professional debut on March 27, 2010, scored one goal in 25 matches and led all MLS rookies with eight assists. In four seasons with the Galaxy, Stephens made 94 appearances, scoring two goals and tallying 12 assists in MLS play.

“Michael is an experienced player with four valuable seasons as a professional under his belt,” said Fire Head Coach and Director of Soccer Frank Yallop. “He’s a local product who is familiar with MLS and we’re glad to have him join our team.”

Stephens briefly attended Benet Academy in Lisle but he did not play soccer there, the Chicago Tribune reports.

He was a member of the U.S. Soccer U-17 Residency Program in Bradenton, Flor. Stephens was selected for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2007 Pan American Games.