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Chicago Fire FC exercise 2021 contract option of former USMNT defender Jonathan Bornstein

Fire pick up 2021 option for former USMNT defender Bornstein

Jonathan Bornstein - Chicago Fire FC - closeup, anthem

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Extension


Chicago Fire FC have exercised the 2021 contract option for defender Jonathan Bornstein, the club announced Tuesday. 


Bornstein, 35, has made four starts in the 2020 campaign after joining the club last summer and now has 15 appearances with the Fire. The former US national team fullback made 35 appearances on the international stage.


“We are pleased that Jonathan will be back with the team in 2021,” Fire sporting director Georg Heitz said in a club statement. “Since arriving at the Club, he has consistently shown his experience and qualities as a player. Jonathan has also been an excellent leader and mentor for the young players on the squad. We look forward to working with him again next season.”


Bornstein started his professional career in MLS back in 2006 with Chivas USA, before heading to Liga MX to join Tigres UANL. He stayed in Mexico at numerous clubs from 2011-18 before he joined Israeli side Maccabi Netanya.


The veteran defender is a regular in Chicago's starting XI under new head coach Raphael Wicky. He recently told the Chicago Sun Times that he plans to play until he's 40-years-old.