The Red Bulls have sent the Major League Soccer rights to the Chicago Fire for 23-year-old midfielder Amando Moreno, it was announced Sunday.
The Fire acquired Moreno’s rights from the Red Bulls during the MLS SuperDraft, held in Chicago Friday — he was a player to be named later — in exchange for the No. 32 overall pick. That turned out to be the University of Indiana midfielder Rece Buckmaster.
“Amando is a young player who has already played in more than 50 professional games in both the United States and Mexico,” Fire [resident and general manager Nelson Rodriguez said. “He drives hard to goal, is shifty and has an appetite for hard work. We think he will compete well in our environment.”
Moreno spent 2018 with Red Bull II in the United Soccer League. In 30 games played (21 starts), Moreno tallied 11 goals and four assists, including the game-winning goal against FC Cincinnati in the USL Eastern Conference semifinal. Prior to signing with Red Bull II, Moreno spent four seasons in Mexico (2014-17), featuring for Liga MX side Club Tijuana and second-division club Dorados de Sinaloa. Across all four seasons in Mexico, Moreno made 20 appearances and recorded three goals and one assist.
The 5-7, 145-lb. Moreno began his professional career as a Homegrown Player for the Red Bulls in 2013, signing his first professional contract after progressing through the club’s Academy system. During the 2013 MLS season, he made two appearances for the Red Bulls as the team claimed the Supporters’ Shield.
He made two appearances for the U.S. Under-20 men’s national team in 2015 and earned a call in to the U.S. full side training camp in May 2016.
