Press Release

Chicago Fire Soccer Club Acquires Forward Fabian Herbers

herbers announcement graphic

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill.(Dec. 9, 2018) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced today it has acquired forward Fabian Herbers from the Philadelphia Union in exchange for a natural second-round pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. The 25-year-old is under contract for the 2019 MLS season with a club option for 2020.


Herbers, who received his U.S. Green Card in 2017, was selected sixth overall by the Union in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. In his rookie campaign, Herbers made 32 appearances, tallying three goals and a team-leading seven assists. Overall, Herbers made 53 regular season appearances (22 starts) in three seasons (2016-18) with the Union, posting four goals and nine assists.

“Fabian is a player that we’ve followed since college,” said Chicago Fire Soccer Club President and General Manager Nelson Rodriguez. “He has several quality traits that should blend with our style of play, including his movement off the ball, ability to consistently find the target and a strong mentality. With more playing time, we believe that Fabian could develop into a consistent scoring threat in this league.”

Prior to joining the Union, the Ahaus, Germany, native spent three years at Creighton University. While playing for the Bluejays, Herbers scored 28 goals in 57 appearances, earning United Soccer Coaches’ First Team All-America honors on two occasions. During his junior year in 2015, Herbers was named the Big East Offensive Player of the Year and a finalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy after posting 15 goals and 17 assists.


Transaction: Chicago Fire Soccer Club acquires forward Fabian Herbers from the Philadelphia Union in exchange for a natural second-round pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.


Name: Fabian Herbers
Position: Forward
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 165 lbs.
Date of Birth: Aug. 17, 1993
Birthplace: Ahaus, Germany
Citizenship: Germany
Last Club: Philadelphia Union