BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Former Gardner-Webb soccer standout Tyler Kettering has signed a contract with the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer (MLS).

He is the first GWU player to earn a contract with a franchise from the top professional league in the United States, and will begin playing the Fire's reserve division squad.

Kettering, who led Gardner-Webb to an Atlantic Sun Conference title and to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2006, earning All-Conference honors and All-Tournament honors that season. The Xenia, Ohio, native led the nation in saves twice during his career, posting 134 in 2004 and 116 in 2006.

A 6-foot-2, 190-pounder, Kettering is the all-time leader in Gardner-Webb and Atlantic Sun Conference history with 446 career saves – which ranks 24th in NCAA Division I history.

He was a three-year captain with the Bulldogs, and was a three-year starter at Xenia (Ohio) Christian High before attending Gardner-Webb.

“We are obviously thrilled for Tyler, and wish him the best in continuing his professional career with the Chicago Fire,” said GWU head coach Tony Setzer.

“His career here was tremendous, and his leadership and overall talent will serve him well as a professional.”

Kettering recently completed a professional season with the Wilmington (N.C.) Hammerheads. He started 10 games and finished with 51 saves and three shutouts.

The Fire, who play in the MLS Eastern Division, are off to a 2-1-1 start to the 2008 season. Chicago won the Eastern Division in 2003 with a 15-7-8 record.