The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced today the signing of forward Orr Barouch and midfielder Mike Videira. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Videira will immediately be added to the Fire’s roster, Barouch will be added pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
“Orr and Mike have come into camp and displayed their willingness to work hard day-in and day-out,” said Chicago Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas. Both Orr and Mike are very talented young players who are able to play more than one position. Their versatility and drive to succeed will assist in the progression of this club.”
A 19-year-old forward born in Haifa, Israel and raised in Woodland Hills, California, Barouch began his professional career at the age of 17 with the Tigres UANL youth system. After graduating from El Camino Real High School and entertaining options with Belgian side FC Bruge, the former Chivas USA youth product joined the Mexican club’s reserves in September of 2009.
While with the Monterey, Mexico based club, Barrouch appeared in 24 matches, scoring one goal, primarily as a left winger, while helping Tigres to a first place finish in the Mexican U20 Apertura tournament. Barouch joined the Fire on trial during the club’s Florida phase of preseason camp.
Videira, a 25-year-old midfielder, joins the Men in Red after spending 2009 and 2010 with the New England Revolution. The Milford, Massachusetts product made his MLS debut in April 2009. A three-time Hermann Trophy semifinalist while at Duke University, Videira was drafted by the Revolution in the second round (18th overall) of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft. Instead, Videira choose to sign with Scottish Premier League club Hamilton Academical. Following his return stateside, the defensive midfielder appeared in 12 matches for the Revolution before joining USSF Div 2 Pro side AC St. Louis for eight matches at the conclusion of the 2010 season.
Name:Orr Barouch
Position: Forward
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 190 lbs.
Date of Birth: November 29, 1991
Place of Birth: Haifa, Israel
Hometown: Woodland Hills, Calif.
Citizenship: Israel, holds a U.S. green card
Last Club: Tigres
Acquired: Signed on March 10, 2011
Name:Mike Videira
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 170 lbs.
Date of Birth: January 6, 1986
Place of Birth: Milford, Massachusetts
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
Citizenship: United States
Last Club: AC St. Louis
Acquired: Signed on March 10, 2011
