Chicago Fire FC today announced that it has signed 2024 MLS SuperDraft pick Laurence Wootton to a First Team contract. Wootton, who was selected 64th overall by the Chicago Fire, is under contract through the 2024 season with Club options for 2025, 2026 and 2027.
Wootton will spend the 2024 season on loan with Indy Eleven of the USL Championship.
“We originally selected Laurence in the SuperDraft because of his consistent performance with a top college program,” said Chicago Fire FC Sporting Director Georg Heitz. “Through his performances during preseason with the First Team, Laurence demonstrated his ability to compete at the professional level, and this move will allow him to earn playing time with a strong club. We are excited to welcome him into the Fire family and look forward to seeing his continued development.”
Wootton, 24, participated in preseason training camp with the Fire, earning minutes at the Coachella Valley Invitational against Austin FC, Minnesota United, LAFC and the Portland Timbers. It was Wootton’s goal that propelled Chicago to a 1-0 win against Austin in the team’s first match of the preseason tournament.
Ranked No. 3 by Top Drawer Soccer as a freshman at Ohio State University, Wootton was a member of the 2023 MAC Hermann Trophy watch list and was named Big Ten Midfielder of the Year in 2022 and 2023. He was one of only six Big Ten players, and the first Buckeye, to be named First Team All-Big Ten four times. As a senior, he started all 18 matches in which he played, scoring five goals. In his four years at Ohio State, he scored 17 goals in 62 matches (61 starts) for the Buckeyes.
Prior to joining Ohio State University, Wootton was a member of Cardiff City, where he appeared for the Cardiff U-18 and U-21 sides. In 2018, Wootton helped to guide Cardiff City to the Welsh Cup final.
Transaction: Chicago Fire FC loans forward Laurence Wootton to Indy Eleven (USL Championship).
Name: Laurence Wootton
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 160 lbs.
Date of Birth: Jan. 10, 2000
Birthplace: Halstead, England
Hometown: Stoke-on-Trent, England
Previous Club: Ohio State University
