CHICAGO (Aug. 17, 2023) - Chicago Fire FC II today announced that the Club has signed defender Romain Blake to an MLS NEXT Pro contract through the 2024 season. Financial terms were not disclosed.
“We are happy to have Romain join Chicago Fire II,” said Chicago Fire II General Manager Alex Boler. “We first saw him with the Jamaica U-20 National Team, and he was just 16 at the time. Romain has a calming presence when he’s on the field. He’s very good on the ball and we’re excited to help his development and believe he will be a key player for our team.”
Blake, 18, joins the club from Kingston, Jamaica where he previously played with Jamaican Premier League side, Waterhouse FC. He made his Jamaica Premier League debut with Waterhouse at just 16 years old, coming on as a substitute in the 70th minute of the 1-0 win against Vere United FC on June 6, 2022. The following season, Blake featured in 13 matches for the club, for a total of 16 Jamaican Premier League and Concacaf League matches before joining Chicago Fire II.
“We’re very excited to have an 18-year-old player with this potential in the Club,” said Chicago Fire II Head Coach Ludovic Taillandier. “It’s a new journey for him in a new country and he shows a level of confidence for his age that is a good asset for a player to have. He shows a great mentality and is actively committed to improving his game.”
At the international level, the young defender has represented the Jamaica U-20 and U-23 teams, helping to guide the Young Reggae Boyz to the quarterfinals of the Concacaf U-20 Men’s Championship in 2022 at age 16. Blake started in all five of Jamaica’s matches in the regional tournament, playing the full 90 minutes in four of them.
Transaction: Chicago Fire FC II signs defender Romain Blake to an MLS NEXT Pro contract through the 2024 season.
Name: Romain Blake
Position: Defender
Height: 5-9
Weight: 140
Date of Birth: July 24, 2005
Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica
Birthplace: Kingston, Jamaica
Citizenship: Jamaica
Last Club: Waterhouse FC
