Mauricio Pineda

Mauricio Pineda is a Chicago-born American defender who developed in the Chicago Fire Academy. He joined the University of North Carolina in 2016, appearing in every match across four seasons and earning four All-ACC selections. In 2018, he was named a second-team All-American while establishing himself as a versatile player. Pineda signed a Homegrown contract with Chicago Fire in January 2020. He made his professional debut against Seattle Sounders on March 1, 2020, then scored the 84th-minute winner against the same opponent in the MLS is Back Tournament. That season, Mauricio Pineda became the first Fire Homegrown player to start every match and was named the club’s Defensive Player of the Year. He reached 100 appearances for Chicago in August 2023 and continues to provide experience in central defense or defensive midfield. At 185 centimeters, he contributes through positioning, interception and passing as Chicago’s homegrown veteran.