BRIDGEVIEW, IL–The Chicago Fire have made some waves this week from the re-signing of Johan Kappelhof when the odds were against them in doing so, signing Academy player Andre Reynolds II as a Homegrown Player, Djordje Mihailovic starting in Sunday’s USA friendly against Panama, and now the signing of David Ousted off waivers from DC United. Ousted, 33, is signed with the Fire for the 2019 season with an option for 2020.
Ousted, 34 on Friday, played five seasons with Vancouver Whitecaps (2013-2017) and one with DC United (2018) totaling 159 starts and 42 clean sheets.
“We set out to find an experienced goalkeeper to complete our corps,” said Fire president and general manager Nelson Rodriguez. “In David we have secured a proven first-choice goalkeeper who retains a hunger to compete. His familiarity with MLS is a bonus.”
“David’s goalkeeper qualities and his ability to earn shutouts are traits that we were searching for,” said Fire head coach Veljko Paunovic. “We believe that he will use his leadership to improve our defense and our defensive performances.”
At the same time, the Fire waived defender Nicolas del Grecco who never saw time with the first time last season with the Fire.
THOUGHTS: The Chicago Fire needed an upgrade in goal after Richard Sanchez did not quite cut the mustard. David Ousted is an upgrade and along with Djordje Mihailovic starting on Sunday night against Panama and re-signing Johan Kappelhof, it caps off a week of good news for a team that sorely needed it. It still needs more of it, but these are steps in the right direction.
Chicago Fire
MLS
