BIOGRAPHY

Bakary Soumare was born in Bamako, Mali. After growing up in Paris, Bakary moved to New York City as a teenager, where he attended and was a soccer standout at La Salle Academy. Bakary attended the University of Virginia, where he played only one year before being taken as the second overall pick of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft by the Chicago Fire. He is currently a defensive starter for the Fire.

Athletic Achievements

• 2008 MLS Best XI
• Nominated for MLS Defensive Player of the Year in 2008
• Led all MLS rookies in minutes in 2007
• Nominated for MLS Rookie of the Year in 2007
• 2006 Second Team All-ACC
• Parade Magazine All-American