Erie Native Jason Shokalook Shines in MLS Next Pro

Shokalook's journey from Pennsylvania to MLS highlights the importance of developmental leagues.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jason Shokalook, a 24-year-old forward from Erie, Pennsylvania, has made a name for himself in the MLS Next Pro league over the past two seasons, earning a contract with the Chicago Fire. After excelling at the University of Akron and playing in USL League Two, Shokalook was drafted by the Fire in 2024 and has since become a standout in the MLS developmental league, winning the Golden Boot in 2025 and earning a first-team contract.

Why it matters

Shokalook's story showcases the value of MLS Next Pro as a bridge between college soccer and the top professional league. The league provides young players like Shokalook the opportunity to adapt to the professional game and earn their way onto MLS rosters, helping to develop talent and expand the player pool for the top division.

The details

After growing up in Erie and commuting long distances to play hockey and soccer, Shokalook earned a scholarship to the University of Akron, where he excelled during his junior and senior seasons. He then was selected by the Chicago Fire in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft and spent two seasons in the MLS Next Pro league, initially playing a reserve role before breaking out in 2025 with a league-high 20 goals. Shokalook's strong performances earned him an MLS contract with the Fire through 2026, with club options for 2027 and 2028.

  • Shokalook was born on September 30, 2002.
  • He played in USL League Two in 2021 and 2023.
  • Shokalook was selected by the Chicago Fire in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft.
  • He spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons in the MLS Next Pro league.
  • Shokalook signed an MLS contract with the Chicago Fire on December 10, 2025.

The players

Jason Shokalook

A 24-year-old forward from Erie, Pennsylvania who has excelled in the MLS Next Pro league and earned an MLS contract with the Chicago Fire.

David Poreba

The 2024 MLS Next Pro Golden Ball and Golden Boot winner, who Shokalook initially had to compete with for playing time in Chicago.

Mike Matkovich

The Chicago Fire manager who gave Shokalook his chance to earn more playing time in 2025 after an initial bench role.

Owen Pratt

A 17-year-old goalkeeper who Shokalook lived with before getting his own space in December 2025.

Martin Tyler

The renowned soccer commentator who praised Shokalook's performances in 2023.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's a great step for a lot of college players to come into. It's an amazing, developmental league, because you get to get used to how long the pro season is, how to adapt to that type of schedule, how to adapt to how intense the trainings are in between the games, and overall, I just think it's a great league to make that jump into the first team.”

— Jason Shokalook, MLS Player (World Football Index)

“I would say that I try to do a lot of things that bring peace to me. I enjoy reading, I enjoy a lot of the recovery aspects of just being an athlete: I love saunas, I find a lot of joy in going to saunas, and those types of things.”

— Jason Shokalook, MLS Player (World Football Index)

“That was one thing that was super important for me – growing up in Erie, I wanted to inspire the kids that are in the youth clubs there, and the kids are all around the United States. Honestly, my journey hasn't been perfect. There's been a lot of question marks along the way, and when these kids are in these situations, that's been a lot of inspiration on my journey, is to inspire the youth and to help them grow and to show them that this is possible.”

— Jason Shokalook, MLS Player (World Football Index)

What’s next

Shokalook will look to build on his strong MLS Next Pro performances as he prepares for his first full MLS season with the Chicago Fire in 2026.

The takeaway

Jason Shokalook's journey from Erie, Pennsylvania to the MLS showcases the value of developmental leagues like MLS Next Pro in helping young players transition to the professional ranks and achieve their dreams of playing at the highest level.