Joel Waterman - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Transfers to Timbers Waterman has been confirmed as a new signing for Portland Timbers from Chicago Fire under a contract until 2027.

Impact Waterman had a rather erratic campaign before this move, as he was in and out of the lineup for his previous club. The defender did score one goal while averaging 3.8 clearances and 3.8 balls recovered per game over 15 MLS outings (11 starts) in 2026. He has previously stood out as a ground duel specialist, although discipline has been a common issue for him. Waterman will now compete with Kamal Miller, Finn Surman and Alex Bonetig for center-back spots in Portland's four-man defense.

SEPTEMBER 3 • ROTOWIRE

Scores lone team goal Waterman scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 3-1 defeat versus New York City FC. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 77th minute.

Impact Waterman scored Chicago's lone goal in the match, netting his first of the season. He has started both matches since returning from the World Cup break after representing Canada at the tournament, though he did not make an appearance. The veteran defender appears poised for a larger role in the back line, having made eight starts across 12 league outings while contributing 44 clearances and six blocks.

JULY 27 • ROTOWIRE

Fernandez, Ojeda and Jones each score a goal, NYCFC beat Fire 3-1

Nicolas Fernandez scored a goal for the third consecutive game, Agustin Ojeda and Malachi Jones each added a goal, and New York City FC beat the Chicago Fire 3-1

JULY 26 • Associated Press

Joel Waterman: World Cup profile | Canada & Chicago Fire defender | MLSSoccer.com Meet Joel Waterman.

MAY 30 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Representing Canada Waterman has been called up by Canada for the 2026 World Cup and is set for a rotational role with the team.

Impact Waterman is back with Canada for another World Cup, although he will actually look to see time this tournament after he was unused in all three games in 2022. The defender is currently slated to be a backup for the team in 2026, but that is something that could change, as Moise Bombito (leg) is still not fully healed from a broken leg, and Derek Cornelius has not played all that much in the past season. However, with Waterman seeing more of a rotational spot with Chicago this campaign after a starting role last season, his role with Canada remains a huge question mark. If rotation is needed, he will likely be one of the first defensive options off the bench, potentially even earning more time if Bombito is not deemed fit for the opener. Either way, not much value should be considered in the center-back.

MAY 29 • ROTOWIRE

On bench after injury recovery Waterman (undisclosed) is on the bench in Saturday's game against Atlanta.

Impact Waterman was a late scratch in the previous match, but he returned to training during the week and regained enough health to make the squad versus Atlanta. The defender has started in two of his five outings in the current campaign, so he may remain in a rotation with Jack Elliott and Mbekezeli Mbokazi for the rest of the season.

APRIL 11 • ROTOWIRE

Late scratch Saturday Waterman was removed from the starting lineup for Saturday's match against Nashville, according to the team.

Impact Waterman has apparently picked up a last-minute discomfort in warmups prior to the weekend's clash. Thus, his place will be taken by Jack Elliott, who is making his return from a short absence. The Canadian will be questionable for subsequent fixtures with the extent of his problem yet to be revealed.

APRIL 4 • ROTOWIRE

Keeps clean sheet Saturday Waterman generated eight clearancesand two interceptions in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Columbus Crew. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 61st minute.

Impact Waterman kept his first clean sheet of the season Saturday as he and the defense held Columbus to four shots on target. He made a season-high eight clearances and also intercepted two passes and blocked one shot on the defensive end. He added one chance created in his productive 90 minutes of action.

MARCH 9 • ROTOWIRE

Defensive standout in defeat Waterman registered six clearances and two interceptions in Saturday's 2-1 defeat versus Houston Dynamo. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 26th minute.

Impact Waterman led the Chicago defensive effort Saturday with six clearances and made two interceptions, though they were outlasted in a 2-1 defeat at Houston. After being traded from CF Montreal during the 2025 season, the central defender made nine appearances (nine starts) with Chicago. Waterman will need to continue to string together positive performances to hold his place in the Chicago starting XI when Jack Elliott (head injury) returns to fitness.

FEBRUARY 23 • ROTOWIRE

Jesús Bueno scores winner in PK shootout as Union hold off Fire in first-round opener of MLS Cup

Jesús Bueno scored the decisive goal in a penalty-kick shootout after Philadelphia blew a two-goal lead late and the top-seeded Union beat the Chicago Fire in a best-of-three first...

OCTOBER 27, 2025 • Associated Press

Philip Zinckernagel scores goal for Fire in 2-2 draw with Revolution

Philip Zinckernagel scored a goal for the Chicago Fire in a wild 2-2 tie with the New England Revolution in the regular season finale for both teams

OCTOBER 19, 2025 • Associated Press

Scores opener in win Waterman scored a goal off his lone shot, made one tackle, five clearances, one interception and two blocks and helped his side to keep a clean sheet during Saturday's 3-0 win over...

Impact Waterman had another solid performance at the heart of the defense but this time his biggest contribution came on the attacking end as he was at the right place to slot home a rebound from the goalkeeper to give his side the lead in the 26th minute. This was the first goal for center-back since the midseason deal that took him to Chicago, where he quickly settled as a defensive cornerstone.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Waterman, D'Avilla and Zinckernagel score goals, Fire beat Minnesota 3-0

Joel Waterman, Dje D’Avilla and Philip Zinckernagel each scored a goal, Chris Brady had four saves, and the Chicago Fire beat Minnesota United 3-0

SEPTEMBER 21, 2025 • Associated Press

Starting Saturday Waterman (not injury related) is in the starting lineup for Saturday's matchup versus New York City FC.

Impact Waterman is back with his club after representing Canada in a pair of international friendlies. The defender will aim to improve on his current numbers of 66 clearances, 22 tackles, 22 interceptions and three clean sheets in 18 MLS games. His addition to the initial lineup will also push Sam Rogers to the bench.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Chicago Fire host New York City FC in Eastern Conference play

The Chicago Fire host New York City FC in Eastern Conference play

SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 • Associated Press

Called up with Canada Waterman has been called up by Canada for international duty and will therefore miss Saturday's clash against New England, according to the league.

Impact Waterman has been a regular starter in the backline for Chicago and will have to be replaced in the starting XI on Saturday against New England due to his call-up for national team duty. Christopher Cupps will likely have a larger role in that match.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Deadspin | Fire acquire D Joel Waterman from CF Montreal Deadspin | Fire acquire D Joel Waterman from CF Montreal

AUGUST 20, 2025 • DEADSPIN.COM

Chicago Fire acquire defender Joel Waterman from CF Montréal | MLSSoccer.com TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trade - CHI receive: Joel Waterman - MTL receive: Up to $600k GAM Chicago Fire FC have acquired center back Joel Wa...

AUGUST 20, 2025 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Dealt to Chicago Waterman has completed a transfer to Chicago from Montreal, according to his new club.

Impact Waterman is ending his time in Canada but will remain in MLS play, heading a bit south to join Chicago. The defender has spent the past five years with Montreal, where he accumulated 130 appearances (125 starts), a mainstay in the defense. That said, he shouldn't have any difficulty finding a role with his new club, as he is versatile and can play on the inside or outside of the defense.

AUGUST 20, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Clears ban Waterman has served his one match suspension and will be an option for the clash with D.C United on Saturday.

Impact Waterman had just recently returned from injury, starting the previous four MLS games. In that span, the defender collected an assist with 11 clearances, eight tackles and five interceptions in that span.

AUGUST 10, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

CF Montreal defender Joel Waterman fined by MLS NEW YORK - CF Montreal defender Joel Waterman has been fined by Major League Soccer for violating the league’s policy regarding simulation/e...

JULY 29, 2025 • THESTAR.COM

CF Montréal's Joel Waterman fined by MLS Disciplinary Committee | MLSSoccer.com The MLS Disciplinary Committee has issued the following ruling after Matchday 27 of the 2025 season.

JULY 29, 2025 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Handed suspension Waterman generated three clearances and three interceptions in Friday's 3-1 win against New England Revolution. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 73rd minute.

Impact Waterman is set for another suspension after seeing a yellow card vs New England on Friday. Since returning from national team duty, the defender start the last four games, recording an assist while generating 11 clearances and eight tackles (five won) in that span.

JULY 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Owusu, Sealy and Escobar score goals as Montreal beats Revolution, snaps 4-game winless skid

Prince Owusu, Dante Sealy and Olger Escobar each scored a goal to help CF Montreal beat the New England Revolution 3-1 to snap a four-game winless streak

JULY 26, 2025 • Associated Press

Logs assist in win Waterman delivered an assist and made three tackles (two won), six clearances, one interception and one block during Wednesday's 2-1 loss against Philadelphia.

Impact Waterman had a nice defensive performance despite being on the losing side and still had a huge contribution on the offensive end as he assisted Prince Owusu for his team's lone goal with a perfect cross from the left just before halftime. This was the first assist of the year for the center-back, who needs to have more consistent numbers to be considered a reliable fantasy asset.

JULY 18, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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