Jeffrey Joseph Gal

Chicago is where Jeffrey Gal grew up playing for the Chicago Sockers and Bridges FC. He kept goal for Creighton University from 2010 to 2012, reaching the NCAA College Cup as the team's regular goalkeeper, then transferred to the University of Virginia, where he made 16 appearances and helped push the side to a semi-final. A loan spell with USL Pro side Chicago Inferno filled the gap in between.

What followed was a long stretch in Sweden rather than a direct route into MLS. Gal signed with Lidköpings FK in 2016, moved on to BK Forward the following year, then spent two seasons at Skövde AIK before joining Degerfors IF in the summer of 2019. It was from Degerfors that Chicago Fire FC signed him as a free agent in January 2023.

Gal's early days with the Fire were mostly spent with the club's MLS NEXT Pro side, Chicago Fire II, where he kept three clean sheets in 2023 and helped the team reach the play-offs for the first time. His first-team debut came against Orlando City, a match he finished with a clean sheet. The performance that stands out from his time in Chicago came that September, in a play-off match away to CF Montréal. Handed his first play-off start, Gal produced a double save to deny Bryce Duke and then blocked an effort from Ariel Lassiter in the 92nd minute, helping the Fire hold out for a 0-0 draw.

He wears the number 25 shirt and remains with the Fire on a contract extended through 2026, with a club option for a further year.