Wisconsin Soccer Central

Patrick McLain (Eau Claire Memorial) is back in Major League Soccer – and back in the Midwest.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper signed with the Chicago Fire on Monday, returning to the country's top division after spending the past two seasons in USL. He's expected to serve as the backup to starter Sean Johnson with the Fire; MLS veteran Jon Busch served in that capacity last season.

McLain recorded a 1.26 goals-against average and six shutouts in 25 appearances in all competitions for the Sacramento Republic last year, and spent the first half of the 2014 season in what was then known as USL PRO with the Orange County Blues.

"Perhaps not yet recognized by many, we believe that Patrick is about to become known as an outstanding talent," Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez said in a news release."He's excellent with his feet and he also commands his box very well."

McLain has been with California teams since leaving Eau Claire in 2007. He played college soccer at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, twice earning All-Big West Conference second-team honors, and signed with then-MLS club Chivas USA in March 2012.

He made two MLS appearances for Chivas USA in 2013. McLain came on in the 54th minute against Sporting Kansas City on May 5 after starter Dan Kennedy was red carded, then earned his first start a week later in a 3-0 loss to the Portland Timbers.

On Twitter: @PatrickMcLain24

• McLain will have the chance to work with a coach from his past as he starts his career with the Fire, as University of Wisconsin men's assistant Stan Anderson (UW-Parkside) was invited to coach the team's keepers during the first week of training camp. New Fire coach Veljko Paunovic hasn't yet hired a goalkeeper coach for his staff; Anderson is the keeper coach for the club's Academy program. As a high schooler, McLain participated in Anderson's Camp Shutout summer goalkeeper camp back in 2006. Chicago opens training camp Monday at the The PrivateBank Fire Pitch, its new $20 million indoor facility that opened last month. On Twitter: @soccer_coach