The 2019 season is spiraling in the wrong direction for the Chicago Fire and general manager Nelson Rodriguez said change could be on the way.
On Monday, the Fire made the first signing of the summer transfer window with the addition of defender Jonathan Bornstein, who had been playing for Maccabi Netanya in the Israeli Premier League.
That name is probably a throwback for many American soccer fans who remember Bornstein for featuring heavily in the 2010 World Cup cycle. Bornstein made 38 caps for the U.S. national team from 2007-2011, including making two starts at the 2010 World Cup.
The Fire had been pursuing Bornstein since January, but Netanya wouldn’t let him go during the season.
“In addition to providing a steady presence and competition on the field, we believe Jonathan will be an excellent mentor for our younger players,” Rodriguez said in a statement released by the Fire.
The 34-year-old is under contract through the 2020 season with a club option for 2021. The Fire traded $50,000 in 2020 targeted allocation money to Columbus to acquire the top spot in the waiver order. The Fire then claimed Bornstein off waivers.
Bornstein spent five years with Chivas USA from 2006-2010 before heading to Mexico for the next eight seasons. He spent one season in Israel.
He gives the Fire more experience and depth along the back line. Bornstein could potentially step in and start at left back. Jorge Corrales has been the most consistent starter at that spot for the Fire this season, but was subbed out in the first half of Saturday’s loss at the Philadelphia Union.
Bornstein was included on the Fire’s 23-player roster for the Leagues Cup, which begins Tuesday against Cruz Azul. Corrales was not included on the roster.
#NuevaFotoDePerfil pic.twitter.com/zrhE0o7J5Y
— Jonathan Bornstein (@JonnyBornstein) July 22, 2019
In another move on Monday, the Fire swapped allocation money with Real Salt Lake. The Fire sent $50,000 in 2020 general allocation money for $75,000 of targeted allocation money that can be used this season.