The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced today that the club has signed midfielder Daniel Paladini and defender Josip Mikulic. Paladini, a 26-year-old midfielder joins the Fire from the Carolina RailHawks of the USSF D-2 Pro League, where he was twice named to the league’s Best XI. Mikulic, a 24-year-old central defender, joins the club from Croatian side NK Zagreb and will be added to the Fire’s roster upon the receipt of his visa and International Transfer Certificate. Per team and league policy, details of the contracts were not released.
“We are excited about the additions of Daniel Paladini and Josip Mikulic to the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, “ said Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas. “Both players possess a passion to win on and off the field, a trait required of any player who wears the Fire badge. Paladini is a smart, technical midfielder who has excelled with the Carolina RailHawks and will help improve our core of midfielders. Mikulic is an athletic player with good feet, a focus on defending and strong presence in the back field. He comes to the Fire from a professional environment and has a number of years experience in the Croatian First Division. He is focused on defending and committed to winning.”
During five seasons with NK Zagreb, Mikulic has accumulated 3,348 minutes in 48 appearances in defense for the Pjesnici (the Poets). The 6-1 defender began his professional career at the age of 18 with second division side NK Croatia Sesvete.
Player: Josip Mikulic
Position: Defender
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 185 lbs.
Born: April 12, 1986
Place of Birth: Ljubuški, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Citizenship: Croatian
College: n/a
Last Club: NK Zagreb (Prva HNL)
How Acquired: Signed as a free agent Jan. 6, 2011
