Chicago Fire sign veteran free agent forward Alan Gordon

The Chicago Fire have signed free agent Alan Gordon on a guaranteed contract through the 2018 season, the club announced on Friday.

The veteran MLS man spent last season with the Colorado Rapids, but played a majority of his career with the LA Galaxy, where he scored 40 goals in 200 appearances for the club.

"Alan's ability to link with the midfield while under pressure and his prowess in aerial duels are skill sets that we needed to add," Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez said of the 36-year-old.

"Those attributes, combined with his winning mentality and comfort as either a starter or substitute, make him an ideal fit for us this season."

In all, Gordon -- who has had spells with the San Jose Earthquakes, Toronto FC and Chivas USA -- made 289 MLS regular season and playoff appearances, scoring 57 goals.

A native of Long Beach, California, he has been capped twice by the United States.