In a city that loves a quarterback controversy, the Chicago Fire now have a goalkeeper controversy. But, in this case it’s a positive, and it’s more a question of when, rather than if, Gabriel Slonina will take over for Bobby Shuttleworth in net.
Shuttleworth, 34, has been brilliant this season—one of the bright spots in a mostly gloomy season—but he needed a break Wednesday night against New York City FC. Enter 17-year-old Gabriel “Gaga” Slonina, who became the youngest goalkeeper in MLS history to start a match. His four saves and solid play helped keep NYCFC’s potent offense off the board, securing a point for his team in a 0-0 draw at Soldier Field.