CHICAGO(Feb. 27, 2017) – The Chicago Fire announced Monday that the club has signed MLS SuperDraft picks Brandt Bronico and Matej Dekovic for the 2017 season with club options for 2018, 2019 and 2020.
“Brandt has demonstrated composure on the ball, good tactical awareness and the willingness to work tirelessly. His performances in training and games warranted this contract and suggest that he will compete for playing time this season,” stated Fire general manager Nelson Rodríguez. “Matej’s versatility as a central and outside back is an asset. He is a good 1v1 defender who is also good in the aerial game.”
Bronico, a midfielder, was selected in the third round (47th overall) of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft from the University of North Carolina Charlotte. Bronico appeared in 74 collegiate matches for the 49ers, scoring 25 goals and adding 23 assists. The Conference USA Player of the Year, Offensive MVP and Golden Boot winner his senior season, Bronico scored nine goals in 2016, including four game-winners. In 2015, he led Conference USA with 10 assists. Hailing from High Point, N.C., Bronico led Wesleyan Christian Academy to the state title in 2012 and 2013. A NC Fusion product, Bronico also appeared for the Carolina Dynamo and Seattle Sounders U-23 sides in PDL play.
A defender hailing from Zagreb, Croatia, Dekovic was selected in the fourth round (69th overall) of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft from the University of North Carolina Charlotte, where he appeared in 57 games for the 49ers over the course of three seasons, scoring five goals and adding eight assists. A Conference USA All-Freshman Team honoree in 2014, Dekovic garnered NSCAA First Team All-Southeast Region, First Team All-Conference USA and NCCSIA First Team All-State accolades in 2016.
Transaction: Chicago Fire sign 2017 MLS SuperDraft picks Brandt Bronico and Matej Dekovic
Player: Brandt Bronico
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 155 pounds
Date of Birth: June 20, 1995
Hometown: High Point, NC
Citizenship: USA
College: University of North Carolina Charlotte
Player: Matej Dekovic
Position: Defender
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 180 pounds
Date of Birth: Sept. 19, 1993
Hometown: Zagreb, Croatia
Citizenship: Croatia
College: University of North Carolina Charlotte
Pronunciation: MAH-tay
