Chicago, IL - Flint City Bucks graduate Jaylen Shannon has signed with Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire FC to a MLS Next Pro contract. Shannon is expected to join Chicago Fire FC II after spending preseason with the Fire’s MLS first team this spring at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

“We are very excited to welcome Jaylen to the Fire,” Fire II coach Ludovic Taillandier said in a release. “He is a player with a great mentality, and his skillset works well with what we are trying to build within our club. He will be a great addition to our roster.”

Shannon was among Flint City’s most consistent starters in 2023, appearing in 14 matches en route to a USL League Two Central Conference championship.

The 6-foot-2 defender is capable in center- and left-back roles. A native of St. Joseph, Michigan, he played his entire college career with Western Michigan University.

Shannon, alongside Bucks teammate Jonathan Robinson on the back line, had a banner year with a historic Broncos squad. The WMU program clinched its first regular-season conference championship while surrendering just 13 goals on the season.

For his Western career, Shannon made 77 total appearances, tallying three goals and seven assists. He was a United Soccer Coaches All-American in 2023. He was also named Defensive Player of the Year for the Missouri Valley Conference.

Bucks season ticket campaign is in full swing for 2024. Click here to complete our season ticket application: https://forms.gle/kWQJehgr2TaWPRR99 (for season ticket renewals as well). Just like last season: One season ticket for two teams - Bucks season ticket holders will gain admission to both Bucks and AFC matches at Kettering’s iconic Atwood Stadium.

In the recent 2024 MLS SuperDraft, we had (5) players selected - the most of any single club in the country! Hugo Bacharach / Minnesota United FC - 1st round, Palmer Ault / Colorado Rapids FC - 2nd round, Jason Shokalook / Chicago FC - 2nd round, Malik Henry / CF Montreal - 2nd round and Jonathan Robinson / Sporting Kansas City FC - 3rd round