Andrew Gutman Bio
Andrew David Gutman (born October 2, 1996) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a left-back for Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire. He began his soccer journey with youth teams and played college soccer for the Indiana Hoosiers. Gutman’s skills and performance earned him various accolades during his college career, leading to his signing with Celtic in 2019. After a series of loan spells, he joined Atlanta United before returning to the Chicago Fire in 2023.
Standing at 178 centimeters, Gutman has built his reputation as a dependable defender with an attacking mindset. His journey from the youth ranks in Illinois to top-flight professional soccer in both Europe and Major League Soccer has shaped his career. Known for his work rate down the left flank, he continues to contribute to one of the league’s most historic clubs.
Early Life and Background
Andrew David Gutman was born on October 2, 1996, in Hinsdale, Illinois, United States. He grew up in the Chicago suburbs, where soccer was a familiar part of the local sports culture. As a young athlete, Gutman developed his skills in a region known for producing competitive youth players.
Prior to college soccer, Gutman played high school soccer for one season at Hinsdale Central High School before joining the Chicago Fire’s youth academy for his sophomore through senior years of high school. This early exposure to a professional club’s development system gave him a strong technical foundation. Balancing academics and training, he progressed through the academy ranks while completing his high school education.
Between college soccer seasons, Gutman played one season in the USL League Two, then known as the Premier Development League. During the 2016 PDL season, he played with Chicago Fire U-23, where he made 13 appearances, scoring two goals and adding three assists. That summer experience offered a taste of senior-level competition outside the college calendar.
Path to Soccer
Ahead of the 2015 NCAA Division I men’s soccer season, Gutman signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the Indiana Hoosiers men’s soccer program. He immersed himself as an immediate starter, starting all 21 matches for the Hoosiers during the 2015 season. He finished his freshman year with one goal and one assist, earning Big Ten All-Second Team, Big Ten All-Freshman Team, and NSCAA All-Midwest Regional recognition.
Gutman remained a regular starter entering his sophomore year, appearing in 21 matches. He led the team in assists with three and scored once, earning another Big Ten second-team selection. During his junior season, he scored seven goals and added four assists for 18 total points, picking up several conference, regional, and national honors including second-team All-American selections from United Soccer Coaches and CollegeSoccerNews.com.
During his senior year, he started 23 of 24 matches and led the team with 11 goals despite playing as a defender. He also ranked second on the team with nine assists and anchored Indiana’s back line, which led the NCAA with 15 shutouts. Following his senior season, he won Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, was named a Hermann Trophy finalist, earned first-team All-American honors from United Soccer Coaches, and won the men’s TopDrawerSoccer.com National Player of the Year Award.
Andrew Gutman Career
Early Career (2016)
Following the 2018 NCAA Division I men’s soccer season, Gutman was offered a one-week trial with Scottish Premiership side Rangers starting on December 18. It was also reported and confirmed by a Chicago Fire team spokesperson that the club had offered him a homegrown contract, which he turned down. This decision opened the door to opportunities abroad.
In January 2019, Gutman signed a contract with Rangers’ long-time rivals, Celtic. On January 19, 2019, he played in a friendly for the Celtic reserve side as a trialist in a 3–4 loss to Arbroath. On January 31, 2019, Celtic announced it had signed Gutman to a three-year contract, immediately loaning him to Nashville SC in the USL Championship for the 2019 season. However, Nashville rescinded the loan on February 2, citing Major League Soccer’s disapproval of the move.
Celtic and Loan Spells (2019–2020)
A week after the Nashville loan collapsed, Charlotte Post reported that Gutman would join the Charlotte Independence of the USL Championship on loan for the 2019 season. On March 15, 2019, Gutman made his debut with Charlotte, scoring a second-half goal in a 3–2 loss to Indy Eleven. On April 16, 2019, he opened the scoring in a 2–1 victory over Bethlehem Steel FC, and on June 15, 2019, he helped Charlotte to a 4–1 victory over Birmingham Legion with the opening goal.
On August 3, 2019, Gutman was loaned to Major League Soccer side FC Cincinnati through the 2020 MLS season. As part of the transaction, Cincinnati sent $50,000 of General Allocation Money to the Chicago Fire in exchange for Gutman’s MLS rights and a third-round pick in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. On August 10, 2019, Gutman made his Major League Soccer debut for Cincinnati, appearing as a starter in a 2–2 draw with Columbus Crew. This stretch gave him consistent senior-level minutes in both the USL and MLS.
Atlanta United Era (2021–2022)
On December 17, 2020, Gutman was selected by Atlanta United in Stage 1 of the 2020 MLS Re-Entry Draft. On March 9, 2021, Gutman was signed permanently by Atlanta United on a three-year deal from Celtic. That same day, he was loaned to the New York Red Bulls for the 2021 season to secure regular playing time.
On April 17, 2021, Gutman made his debut for New York, appearing as a starter in a 2–1 loss to Sporting Kansas City. On April 25, 2021, he scored his first goal for New York in a 3–2 loss to Los Angeles Galaxy. On October 2, 2021, Gutman scored the lone goal in New York’s 1–0 victory over his former club FC Cincinnati, capping off a productive loan spell.
Colorado Rapids Era (2023)
On July 5, 2023, Gutman was acquired by the Colorado Rapids in exchange for $400,000 in guaranteed General Allocation Money, a conditional $150,000 in GAM tied to performance metrics, and an international roster slot. He made his debut on July 8, 2023, against FC Dallas, providing depth on the left side of the back line during the summer stretch of the campaign.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although soccer players are not described as drivers, Gutman has built his game around strong overlapping runs, dependable defensive positioning, and accurate crossing from the left flank. His ability to contribute goals and assists from the left-back position makes him a dual-threat option for his coaches. His stamina and tactical discipline allow him to balance defensive duties with offensive support throughout full ninety-minute matches.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the signature moments in Gutman’s early career came on January 4, 2019, when he won the Hermann Trophy, the most prestigious award for a college soccer player, just two weeks after winning the TopDrawerSoccer.com National Player of the Year Award. His MLS debut with FC Cincinnati on August 10, 2019, marked his arrival in top-flight American soccer. His lone goal in New York’s 1–0 victory over FC Cincinnati on October 2, 2021, stands out as a memorable contribution during his Red Bulls loan.
Andrew Gutman Career Wins
Andrew David Gutman’s competitive record spans the USL League Two, USL Championship, Major League Soccer regular season, and Scottish Premiership roster experience. While comprehensive win totals across all teams are not fully verified, his contributions include goals and assists at every professional stop. His trophy cabinet features the Hermann Trophy, the TopDrawerSoccer.com National Player of the Year Award, and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honor.
Major League Soccer Highlights
Gutman’s first Major League Soccer goal came on April 25, 2021, for the New York Red Bulls in a 3–2 loss to Los Angeles Galaxy. He added another notable strike on October 2, 2021, in New York’s 1–0 victory over FC Cincinnati. Across spells with FC Cincinnati, New York Red Bulls, Atlanta United, Colorado Rapids, and Chicago Fire, he has continued to feature regularly as a starting left-back.
Other Wins and Performances
In the USL Championship with Charlotte Independence during 2019, Gutman scored on debut against Indy Eleven and added goals against Bethlehem Steel FC and Birmingham Legion. In the USL League Two with Chicago Fire U-23 in 2016, he made 13 appearances and recorded two goals and three assists, demonstrating early offensive potential from the back line.
Andrew Gutman Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Detailed public information about Andrew David Gutman’s family background is limited. He was raised in Hinsdale, Illinois, and his developmental years were shaped by the Chicago-area soccer community. No verified details about parents or siblings are currently available from reliable sources.
Personal Life
Public information about Andrew David Gutman’s personal life, including marital status, spouse, or children, is not confirmed in available verified sources. He continues to reside in the United States while competing in Major League Soccer. His social media presence remains active, with accounts on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
2025 Season Performance
Andrew David Gutman is expected to enter the 2025 Major League Soccer campaign as part of the Chicago Fire roster. After being reacquired by his original club, he is positioned to compete for the starting left-back role under the team’s coaching staff. Pre-season preparations and fitness assessments will likely shape his role heading into the regular season.
With the Chicago Fire aiming to build on recent roster improvements, Gutman’s experience across multiple MLS clubs provides valuable versatility. His familiarity with league tactics and his ability to contribute on both sides of the ball could be key factors in the team’s defensive stability. The upcoming campaign offers him an opportunity to cement his place in the starting eleven.
Looking ahead, Gutman’s performance metrics in 2025 will be closely watched by fans and analysts. His track record of consistent appearances and offensive contributions from the left-back position suggests he can be a reliable contributor. If he maintains fitness and form, he is expected to play a significant role in the Chicago Fire’s pursuit of a return to the MLS Cup Playoffs.