PAPILLION, Neb. – Union Omaha on Wednesday announced the signing of defender Charlie Ostrem, pending league and federation approval. Ostrem spent the beginning of the 2024 season in the New Zealand second-division with Western Suburbs FC.

A Richmond Beach, Wash. native, Ostrem was a two-time Surf Cup champion in his youth career with Crossfire Redmond. He went on to play collegiately at the University of Washington, where he was Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and All-American Third Team as a junior, off the back of a season where he provided the most assists by a Husky since 1998. He also takes great pride in his status as a First Team Academic All-American.

Charlie was the 33rd overall selection in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft by Chicago Fire FC, signing with MLS NEXT Pro side Chicago Fire FC II shortly thereafter. Their head coach at the time described him as tough in battles, running the line "constantly with so much energy," as well as praising his leadership skills. He racked up five assists in the 2022 season, then in increased minutes put up five goals and three assists in 2023. On short-term agreements between the Fire and its MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, Ostrem made two appearances on the bench for the Fire first team during the 2023 MLS season.

Ostrem has spent the first half of the 2024 season on the other side of the globe, playing with Western Suburbs FC in the second-division Central League in New Zealand. In 13 appearances for the Wests this season, Ostrem tallied three goals and helped the club to a 9-3-1 record when on the pitch.

"Charlie is a player that we have tracked for some time, so I'm delighted to bring him into our group," said Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato. "He will make our squad more balanced and competitive going into the second half of the season."

Ostrem will also be linking up with former teammate Missael Rodríguez, both of whom shared the pitch for Chicago Fire FC II.

"I am extremely excited to be joining the Union Omaha family," said Ostrem. "I will do my best to continue the club's winning mentality and family culture. I can't wait to get out on the field with my teammates and meet the fans!"