Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire FC II forward Jason Shokalook has won the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot award after scoring 20 goals in 22 matches this season. This achievement marks the highest single-season goal tally in Chicago Fire II history and comes one year after teammate David Poreba secured the same award with 18 goals in 2024.

With Shokalook’s recognition, Chicago Fire FC II becomes the first club in MLS NEXT Pro history to have two different players win the Golden Boot, achieving this milestone in consecutive years. Shokalook joins previous winners including David Poreba (2024), Rémi Cabral (Colorado Rapids 2), Jack Lynn (Orlando City C), MD Myers (NYCFC II) from 2023, and Jacen Russell-Rowe (Columbus Crew 2) from 2022.

Shokalook concluded the regular season by scoring twice in a 3-3 draw against Columbus Crew 2 on October 5. These two goals marked his fifth multi-goal game of the season, all of which occurred within his last eight matches. His standout performance was a four-goal showing during a record-setting 9-2 victory over New York Red Bulls II at SeatGeek Stadium on July 27. Earlier that month, he made his Major League Soccer debut with Chicago Fire’s first team and recorded an assist during a win over D.C. United.

Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Shokalook joined Chicago Fire II in February 2024 after being selected as the No. 35 overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft. He previously played for the University of Akron, where he was named the BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 and led his team with 14 goals and five assists that season. During his college career, he appeared in 59 matches with Akron, scoring a total of 26 goals and providing 17 assists.

Chicago Fire FC II is set to find out its playoff opponent later this week through the Pick-Your-Opponent selection process used for MLS NEXT Pro postseason matchups. The team will begin its third straight postseason campaign on the road during the weekend of October 17. All playoff games and the championship match will be broadcast live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

"Shokalook’s achievement highlights both individual talent and team progress," said club representatives.