Joel Waterman is about to go closer to home.
The Portland Timbers are finalizing a deal with the Chicago Fire to acquire the native of Surrey, B.C., The Athletic's Tom Bogert reported Tuesday.
Waterman, 30 has 17 caps for the Canadian international men's team. He was selected for the 2026 World Cup squad but did not play.
The centre-back was acquired by the Fire from CF Montreal last summer.
Waterman started his MLS career with Montreal in 2020 after playing for Calgary-based Cavalry FC of the Canadian Premier League.
Waterman played U Sports soccer for Trinity Western University in Langley, B.C.