Chicago Fire first-round college draft pick Evan Whitfield has agreed to terms and signed a contract with Major League Soccer. Chicago is now at its full complement of 20 roster players (21 including Project-40 player Dema Kovelenko). “We are pleased to be able to hold a roster spot late into the season for Evan,” said Fire General Manager Peter Wilt. “At this point in the season, depth is very important. It is good to get him some experience in a professional environment and get him to the Chicago Fire.” Despite Whitfield testing the waters in Europe, and eventually signing with Ghent of the Belgian First Division for the second half of the 1998-99 European season, Chicago drafted the Duke defender in the first round (11th overall pick) of the 1999 MLS College Draft. “Evan is a good right-sided defender/midfielder who has great speed and can run the flank,” said Chicago coach Bob Bradley. “After playing a couple of months in Europe, Evan decided to come back to MLS and sign a contract with the league. Evan was one of the top young players to come out of college last year and we are excited he has decided to join our team.” Whitfield has made 11 appearances for the U.S. U-23 national team, the basis for the 2000 men’s Olympic team in Sydney, Australia. Most recently, Whitfield played in 5-of-the-6 Pan Am games in Winnipeg for the Under-23s. Whitfield was a two-year co-captain and attended Duke University from 1995-98. He finished his collegiate career as a Blue Devil with one goal and 15 assists for 17 points in 75 games played. He showed his offensive spark in his junior year by collecting 11 assists, and was the force behind 33 shutouts since he joined Duke in 1995. “I’m happy to be here in MLS and with the Chicago Fire,” said Whitfield. “The Chicago Fire has a very good European soccer atmosphere with a dedicated training facility and a good professional environment and I am pleased to be a part of the team.”