Chicago Fire Soccer

Chicago to Play Manchester United at Soldier Field July 23, 2011

2011-05-02T19:56:30+00:00

Last week, he Chicago Fire Soccer Club, in conjunction with MLS and CAA Sports, announced that the Chicago Fire will take on Manchester United at Soldier Field on Saturday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. CT as part of the World Football Challenge. Complete details regarding the World Football Challenge including all participating teams, schedule, format and event sponsors will be announced in the coming weeks. The Chicago Fire v. Manchester United match is included in the Fire’s Full Season Ticket Holder plan as Bonus Game Two. Supporters can immediately purchase a ticket for the Chicago Fire-Manchester United match by purchasing full Chicago Fire Season Tickets by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE (657-3473) or by heading to the club’s official website at Chicago-Fire.com. Fire Season Ticket Holders will receive an in-kind number of seats at Soldier Field and be given the opportunity to upgrade and/or purchase additional tickets. Details regarding group tickets, single game tickets and public on-sale will be announced at a later date. “We are excited to host Manchester United, one of the world’s finest clubs, at home in Chicago, in front of our supporters,” said Chicago Fire owner Andrew Hauptman. “Bringing United to Chicago helps the Fire continue to expand our reach in one of North America’s premier soccer markets. Our participation in the World Football Challenge gives our players an opportunity to take on one of the most talented clubs on the planet, while galvanizing Chicago’s vast soccer community.” Led by Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United is one of the most recognized clubs in the world, lifting a total of 18 English Premier League titles, four Carling cups, three European Cups and a record 11 FA Cups. In 1999, United were the first team to win the Treble (English Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League) in one season. Founded in 1878, the Red Devils have competed in the top division of English soccer since 1938, with the exception of the 1974-1975 season. United currently sit atop the Barclay’s English Premier League table with 63 points through 30 games. Manchester United returns to Chicago for a second consecutive year. The storied English side utilized Chicago and TOYOTA PARK as a base, training at the Fire’s soccer-specific home before embarking on its four-stop North American tour in 2010. Manchester United and the New England Revolution will kick-off the World Football Challenge on Wednesday, July 13 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. The Fire will then host the Red Devils on Saturday, July 23 at Soldier Field. United concludes their participation in the World Football Challenge on Saturday, July 30 against FC Barcelona at FedEx Field in Landover, MD. These matches mark the Revolution and Fire’s only matches in the World Football Challenge. Manchester United will also return as the AT&T MLS All-Star Game opponent at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ on Wednesday, July 27 (ESPN2, Galavision and TSN) starting at 7:30 p.m. CT. Ticket information for the World Football Challenge is now available by visiting www.WorldFootballChallenge.com. Season Ticket Holder Pre-Sale Information Click Here Group Ticket Deposit Pre-Sale Information Click Here Single Game Ticket ON SALE May 3 at 10 a.m. CT - Click Here For More Information

MLS Commissioner Don Garber Will Speak At Chicago Fire Fundraising Luncheon

2011-03-09T21:02:29+00:00

Limited tickets remain for Fire’s annual charity event. The Chicago Fire Soccer Club, in conjunction with the Chicago Fire Foundation, announced today that MLS Commissioner Don Garber will speak at the 13th annual Chicago Fire Season Kickoff Luncheon presented by Ticketmaster. The kickoff luncheon will be held on Monday, March 14 at from 11 AM – 1 PM CT at the Hyatt Regency Chicago (151 E. Wacker Dr. Chicago IL 60601). Commissioner Garber will join emcee Amy Freeze and Fire owner Andrew Hauptman in kicking off the Fire’s 2011 MLS season. The 2011 Fire Season Kickoff Luncheon is nearly sold out. Limited tickets remain and are available for $75 a person and $700 for a table. Tickets are available by calling 708-496-6740 or by heading to Chicago-Fire.com. Don Garber has spent his entire career in the sports industry, working in a variety of capacities in marketing, television and League administration. On August 4, 1999, he was named Commissioner of Major League Soccer after spending 16 years with the National Football League. Since Garber accepted Major League Soccer’s top position, his vision and leadership have enabled MLS to build a strong foundation for professional soccer in the United States. Garber has guided MLS through decisions that have solidified the League’s core business, guaranteed its long-term viability and positioned it for growth. During his tenure, MLS has added 15 new investors, expanding and diversifying the League’s ownership group, including nine new expansion teams with the addition of Vancouver and Portland in 2011 and Montreal in 2012. Garber has also led the effort to develop soccer-specific stadiums for MLS teams. Nine stadiums have been built during his tenure, and two more have been renovated with soccer in mind. Also, more soccer-specific stadiums are currently in development. Prior to becoming Commissioner of MLS, Garber spent 16 years with the National Football League, finishing his tenure as the senior vice president/managing director of NFL International, where he was responsible for managing all of the NFL’s business outside the United States. Garber began his career at NFL Properties in 1984 and became the League’s director of marketing in 1988. In 1992, he was appointed the NFL’s senior vice president of business development and was responsible for a variety of television, special event and marketing activities. The annual event, which supports the Chicago Fire Foundation, offers Fire supporters the first opportunity to meet the 2011 Chicago Fire team and raise funds in the name of charity. In addition to interacting with Fire players, coaches and technical staff, the event includes a reception, formal lunch and silent auction, where attendees can bid on Fire and other sports memorabilia, gift certificates, player worn gear and much more. All proceeds benefit the Chicago Fire Foundation.

Preseason Continues as Fire Prepare for Matches Against Two MLS Rivals

2011-02-23T17:41:05+00:00

FIRE TO PLAY THREE PRESEASON EXHIBITIONS AS FLORIDA CAMP CONTINUES The Chicago Fire continue preparations for the 2011 MLS season with two matches against the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, FL at 10 AM and noon CT. The Men in Red will wrap the Florida camp with an exhibition against Seattle Sounders FC at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL on Saturday, Feb. 26 at 1:00 PM CT. The Fire saw their first on-field action of the preseason in an exhibition with Florida Gulf Coast University in Ave Maria, FL last Thursday. Carlos de los Cobos used the opportunity to play 30-plus players in three 30-minute intervals. Marco Pappa and Kwame Watson-Siriboe tallied in a 2-2 draw with the local side. De los Cobos continues to refine his training camp roster and following the third week of training the Fire released supplemental draft selection Amani Walker and trialists Jordan Seabrook, Eric Ustruck, Evan Schwartz, Fabian Burbano, Anderson Costa and Jocian Bento. Newly signed Uruguayan forward Diego Chaves joined the club late Saturday night and is expected to participate in his first full training session on Tuesday, after doing fitness work the past two days. Tunisian Nabil Taider joined camp in Ave Maria as the newest trialist. With the latest cuts and additions, 33 players remain in camp as the Fire turn their focus towards finalizing an Opening Day roster ahead of the roster compliance date on Tuesday, March 1. The current camp is comprised of 21 signed players, two draft picks and 10 trialists. The Fire return to Chicago at week’s end and will spend three days off in the Windy City before resuming training in Charleston, South Carolina and competing in the Carolina Challenge Cup with matches against Toronto FC (March 5 at 4 PM CT), D.C. United (March 9 at 4 PM CT) and host club Charleston Battery (March 12 at 6:15 PM CT). CHICAGO FIRE WEEKLY TRAINING SCHEDULE: February 21 – February 27 Chicago Fire players and coaches will be made available to media at Ave Maria University following each training session during double-days this week. Media are able to begin conducting interviews after training, which runs approximately two hours. (All times Eastern) Tuesday, Feb. 22: Training 10 AM / 6 PM – OPEN TO MEDIA*^ Wednesday, Feb. 23: Chicago Fire vs. New York Red Bulls – Lockhart Stadium – 11 AM and 1 PM Thursday, Feb. 24: Training 10 AM / 6 PM – OPEN TO MEDIA*^ Friday, Feb. 25: Training 6 PM – OPEN TO MEDIA*^ Saturday, Feb. 26: Chicago Fire vs. Seattle Sounders FC – IMG Academy – 2 PM* Sunday, Feb. 27: OFF *Training is open to the media. Fire players and coaches will be made available immediately following training, which runs approximately two hours. ^Training times are subject to change. Please contact Brendan Hannan at 708.496.6725 for media requests.

Midfielder Pause Named Fire’s New Captain

2011-02-07T14:54:55+00:00

It didn’t take long for Logan Pause to take advantage of his new pulpit. The Chicago Fire midfielder – who was named team captain last Saturday – held court over reporters after the team’s first open practice on Tuesday, candidly discussing his thoughts on his new role over the course of a 20-minute, impromptu press conference. “I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Pause said of being named captain. “It’s great. It’s an honor.” And it will be quite a challenge. The 30-year-old defensive midfielder – who is taking the armband from retired club legend C.J. Brown – must help the coaching staff shape an inexperienced bunch of players as they try to rebound from a disappointing 2010 season that saw the Fire miss the playoffs for just the second time in franchise history. “Part of my role now is to try and instill some things that [we need to buy into],” Pause said. “Especially after the trying year we had last year. I’ll be trying to reenergize a group that has a handful of guys that got the taste of the bitterness after being unsuccessful.” Pause understands that instilling those things will take some time. “Will we be completely integrated and will it be perfect by opening day? No,” he said. “But it’s a process, and what we want to make sure is that starting right now we really establish a way of how we want to do things; a way of how we conduct ourselves on and off the field. Guys are going to learn how things are done and a lot of guys are going to need to learn those things fast.” Of course, Pause will have a good deal of help. Veterans Gonzalo Segares, Cory Gibbs, Calen Carr,Dasan Robinson and Jon Conway are all strong locker-room presences, and youngsters Baggio Husidic and Sean Johnson are expected to take a step forward as leaders this year. “This year is going to put a bit more on the shoulders of the other guys that have been around,” Pause said. “From Gonzalo Segares to Calen Carr and Dasan Robinson, to seeing the character of guys like Sean Johnson – a guy who’s only in his second year but is someone who’s a winner and just has the charisma and personality to help lead. “It doesn’t need to be this one guy that’s going to come in and work magic,” he added. “It’s about getting into the locker room and trying to get everyone involved.” Pause will also rely on what he called a “strong” relationship with head coach Carlos de los Cobos to improve communication between the staff and the players. “We’re trying to establish a good line of communication,” Pause said. “I’m here to help. I’ve been asked in this process to help be a bridge between what happens in our staff office and in our locker room. I think there’s room for improvement, but what I’ve experienced and what I’ve seen so far, I think it’s going to be a good improvement.”

Julian Posada Reflects on First Four Months with the Fire

2011-01-12T23:58:51+00:00

Written by Jeff Crandall, Team Writer for the Chicago Fire. Sitting down to talk with Julian Posada, you get the distinct sense that he’s no longer “new”. Having been on the job for nearly four months, that adjective can surely be removed from all lead-ins to the current Chicago Fire President’s title. The former Café Media boss’ appointment last September as the fifth President in the club’s 13-year history caught some off guard because, while showing proven success in the media realm, he had never run a sports organization. “Like with any job there are challenges,” said Posada. “I’ve spent time getting up to speed on MLS and learning how a soccer team works and operates. I’ve also worked to get a good handle on the mechanics of how to run a sports team and how difficult it is, but how rewarding it can be. I’ve been working to understand the needs of the customers – I think I still have a long way to go, but in the first four months it’s just been a lot of listening, trying to understand what our fans want and what the community needs are.” One change that Posada has already effectively enacted is compelling staff to think outside the box—an edict that came straight from the top from Chicago Fire owner Andrew Hauptman. “Andrew was asking, ‘How do you force folks to question everything?’. So one of the things we’ve driven home through all departments is to challenge ourselves to think differently. I’ve told our staff to look at how we communicate and ways we can move faster. I think that will help build the plumbing for success in the future. We’ve worked really hard to get that in the offseason, unfortunately it might not be visible to those outside, but internally it will help the organization run more efficiently.” The Duties The role of MLS club president isn’t necessarily a defined one. Though the generally function are similar, those around the league all have different descriptions compared to each other and the same can be said when comparing to club presidents abroad. Posada sees his day-to-day role in three core functions. “Spending time with your constituency – whether that be in the community, with organizations that are supporting the Fire or your media partners. I use constituencies in the broadest sense but a lot of it is just continuing the partnerships and having an open door policy where people can come and we can push the agenda forward.” As a staffer in the Chicago Fire office, I can attest that Posada’s door, whether in a meeting, in there alone or gone for the day is open a majority of the time. He is indeed extremely accessible and always willing to listen and discuss ideas with his employees. “I try spending time with the staff. This is an incredibly time consuming job that doesn’t really pay well. You don’t go work for a sports team because you want to make a lot of money or you expect to be compensated well. You go into it because you have a love of the sport or a love of the job. I try to spend time with the people that are doing all the work and running around.” While he jokes he spends probably five per cent of his time going to and from meetings, one clear role for Posada and every MLS president is that of revenue generation. “Another chunk of the day is really supporting the sales function and that really means how we’re driving season tickets, suites and corporate sales. It’s critical that all of our staff are doing this because that area supports the financial health of the business.” Fan Experience Having more season ticket holders is a good thing, but a lot of the challenge is keeping a season ticket holder happy. While the club has taken unprecedented steps since September in offering impressive benefits to entice more fans to become season ticket holders, it has also undertaken the task of improving the fan experience on game day to keep season ticket holders coming back. “Fan experience for us is a process we’re working through to figure out what’s relevant and what we hope people to see is fans feeling a little bit closer to staff in order to be more responsive to their concerns.” “We are aggressively teaching new approaches to work with our vendors and our third-party people so that we’re addressing their needs head-on in a proactive way. We’ve started already meeting with our key vendors that I know are part of that experience – whether that’s food, security or parking – which we know are issues. We’re not going to solve them all. We started talking in December about improving that experience. We’re meeting now before the season starts to be proactive and to build that bridge, bringing those vendors into the Fire offices so that we can respond faster to folks. I think those are some casual ways to start addressing the issues – we won’t solve all the problems but we will be closer because we have them closer to us.” First Team Involvement While club presidents around the world have a much more hand’s on approach with the first team, it’s not nearly the same in MLS. In this area, Posada sees his role as it relates to the technical affairs of the team as a supportive one. “My involvement in team affairs is really still at a distance. The Technical Staff – Frank [Klopas], Caddy [Paul Cadwell] and Carlos [de los Cobos] make all the team decisions. With Mike Jeffries coming along, there is a good staff in place to handle those matters. My role with the first team is to make sure the infrastructure is there for them to do what they need to.” Though he’s not in charge of signing players, Posada is still bringing change to the way the first team interacts with the front office, making sure both parties are more engaged with the other. “One of the key initiatives for us going into 2011 is developing a better relationship with the first team. Whether it’s full staff meetings between the front office and the first team or team building activities that allow for the two parties to get to know each other better and understand individual issues in a much more timely way. One particular area we’ve been working on is a much more integrated on-boarding process for how we work with the players, whether foreign or domestic, when they first come into the team. What we hope that does is translate into a place where our players feel like they’re being supported and also the front office feels like the players understand that we work hard to make them feel comfortable here.” In One Year… From a business and relationship perspective, Posada has high but achievable goals for the Fire to shoot for. I asked him what he would expect to be talking about if we did an interview again when he’s had more than a year of work and his first full season under his belt. “I expect the club to have a much higher season ticket base that allows us to keep growing and sharing the experience that we’re creating. I think we have very firm relationships with organizations that value soccer and those are mutually beneficial relationships on both sides. I think people would really understand that from a management perspective, you can ask, and we might not always do it, there is a process in which fans can approach the staff and that there’s a way in which your voices will be heard and we’ll figure out how to implement concerns. That aside, I expect to have a winning way in working with players in the front office that is enviable around Major League Soccer.”

Chicago’s Sean Johnson Seeks US National Team Spot

2010-12-29T23:17:05+00:00

Chicago Fire goalie Sean Johnson was named to the US national team’s January training camp roster on Tuesday. The call-up is the first senior national team invite for the 21-year-old keeper, who will compete with goalkeepers Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake), Matt Pickens (Colorado) and Dominic Cervi (Celtic) for a spot on Bob Bradley’s roster for the Jan. 22 friendly against Chile at the Home Depot Center. “I’m definitely excited,” Johnson told MLSsoccer.com. “It’s always been a dream of mine to represent my country at the highest level and once I got word about the invite to the camp – I can’t even express how I felt at first. I think it’s a great opportunity and I’m excited to get into the camp and get things going.” A fourth round selection in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, Johnson appeared in 14 league games after debuting at LA on Aug. 1. He played well in his rookie season, twice earning MLS Save of the Week honors. “I plan on working really hard in camp,” he said. “Making the roster for the Chile game is definitely a goal of mine.” Along with fellow camp invites Brek Shea and Mikkel Diskerud, Johnson was a part of the US U-20 squad that participated in the 2009 U-20 World Cup in Egypt. The Generation adidas player didn’t feature in the tournament, which saw the Americans get knocked out in the group stage.

Chicago Fire in the Market for a New Sponsor, Best Buy Moves On

2010-12-14T19:49:47+00:00

The Chicago Fire have some additional holiday shopping on their agenda. They are in the market for a new uniform sponsor. Best Buy has informed the team it won’t renew its deal. The company had been the Fire’s uniform sponsor for the past three years. A Best Buy spokeswoman said the decision was based on Best Buy deciding to go in a different direction. In a statement, she said: “As part of our marketing planning process, we regularly evaluate our sponsorships and explore and assess marketing opportunities to ensure they align with our evolving business goals. While Best Buy’s sponsorship relationship with the Chicago Fire Soccer Club has delivered tremendous value and has created awareness and visibility for our family of brands, we’ve elected to not renew our contract, which expires at the end of December. It has been an honor to work with this world-class organization over the last three years, and we intend to continue to offer our enthusiastic support of the Fire.” The Fire anticipated Best Buy’s decision and have been in talks with several companies for a new uniform sponsor.

Pineda Called to U-18 Men’s National Team for Israel Tourney

2010-12-09T23:13:45+00:00

The U.S. U-18 Men’s National Team is set to travel to Tel Aviv for a three-game tournament that will also feature host Israel, Germany and France from Dec. 10-18. The U.S. will play Germany on Dec. 13, France on Dec. 14 and Israel on Dec. 16. U.S. head coach Mike Matkovich will bring 20 players to Tel Aviv, including 18 Development Academy players including two professionals in goalkeeper Jonathan Kempin from Sporting Kansas City and 17-year-old midfielder Victor Pineda from the Chicago Fire. Kempin recently returned from the Torneo de las Americas where he helped the U.S. U-20 MNT to a pair of draws against Colombia and Mexico. Villyan Bijev recently scored three goals in the Select game at the ongoing Development Academy Winter Showcase. He was one of 11 players on the trip to have participated in that game. There are 15 players that participated in Matkovich’s 36-player training camp at The Home Depot Center in November.

Chicago Soccer Sale—50% off ALL Fire Merchandise

2010-12-08T19:28:22+00:00

Now through Christmas the Chicago Fire will be selling Holiday Ticket packs at the Chicago Soccer location at Old Orchard Mall in Skokie. The Holiday Ticket pack gives you 4 tickets each to the first two Chicago Fire home games of 2010 plus a Chicago Fire Jabulani ball for $98 (Corner Kick) or $170 (Premier). Be entered to win a team-signed Chicago Fire jersey when you buy a Holiday Pack! While you’re there, the store will be offering all Chicago Fire merchandise for 50% off as well as half off personalized jerseys on weekends**. This store is located at: Chicago Soccer (Old Orchard) 4905 Old Orchard Center Skokie, IL. 60077 http://www.chicagosoccer.net/

Logan Pause Wins Fire’s Goal of the Year

2010-12-03T23:17:06+00:00

Logan Pause has won the Chicago Fire’s 2010 Goal of the Year, narrowly beating out Marco Pappa for the title. Pappa’s 4/10 goal was against San Jose, and Pause’s 5/8 goal was the Fire’s match against Toronto. Hispanically Speaking News congratulates Logan Pause.

Black Friday Season Ticket Sale

2010-11-23T19:28:32+00:00

As Black Friday approaches, everyone is preparing for the frenzy, and that includes the Chicago Fire. So be sure to visit the Fire’s website at 8am CT, Friday morning to get in on the action and take advantage of their season ticket special!!

Chicago’s Pappa Wins AT&T Goal of the Year

2010-11-17T21:54:28+00:00

Chicago Fire winger Marco Pappa was awarded AT&T Goal of the Year Wednesday, securing the honor for his fantastic strike in the Fire’s April 10 match against the San Jose Earthquakes. “This is good news,” Pappa said. “To win the best goal in 2010 is a big moment in my career and for me individually. It is a nice honor for the club as I have worked hard this year to do my best for the Fire.” The goal, which came in the 52nd minute of the Fire’s 2-1 loss, was a 25-yard left footed rocket that curled just inside the top right corner. “It was a good play — a solid buildup by the team,” Pappa said. “[Brian] McBride recovered the ball and fed it to me. I saw [Patrick] Nyarko running into space on the wing and passed him the ball in the air. He dribbled down the flank and found Collins [John] who made a good reception of the ball. I made my run and Collins gave me a good ball that I hit into the corner of the net.” Pappa’s equalizer sent the sell-out Toyota Park crowd into hysterics and inspired the Guatemalan goalscorer to launch into an acrobatic backflip – a celebration almost as stunning as the goal itself. “When I saw that the goal was a beautiful goal, I got really excited and wanted to do something crazy, like a back flip,” Pappa said. “When I was really young my parents and older brother taught me how to do back flips. Sometimes they say to me now - ‘You can’t do a back flip’ - so I wanted to show them that I could still do it.”

Fire Blowout Sale to Benefit the Chicago Fire Foundation

2010-11-16T17:02:30+00:00

The Chicago Fire Soccer Club will hold a Season End Fire Locker Room Sale on Saturday, November 20 from 10 AM CT – 1 PM CT in the Fire’s locker room at TOYOTA PARK (7000 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview, IL). Available merchandise will include game worn jerseys from players Logan Pause, Marco Pappa and Patrick Nyarko, an assortment of training gear, as well as up to 75% off all adidas items and much more. Proceeds from the sale of game-worn items, Chicago Fire Grab Bags, and 2007 merchandise will benefit the Chicago Fire Foundation. In addition, those who donate a minimum of five non-perishable food items for the Greater Chicago Food Depository will receive a coupon for an additional 10% off your entire purchase (valid only on 11/20). The sale will be open exclusively to Season Ticket Holders and Ten Game Plan Holders from 9-10 AM CT before opening to the general public from 10 AM –1 PM CT. Personalization of items, including names and numbers, will be available on the day of the sale. Fans in attendance will have the opportunity to enter for a special Chicago Fire Prize Pack that will include a 2010 Fire Holiday Pack and other Fire goodies. The Fire will also give away a pair of tickets to 2011 Opening Night at TOYOTA PARK to 10 lucky shoppers as they checkout between 10 AM and 1 PM. Chicago Fire mascot Sparky will be in attendance to entertain fans and assist them with their shopping needs.

Pause Called to National Team in Time for Mandela Challenge

2010-11-11T16:27:35+00:00

Today, the Chicago Fire’s Logan Pause was called up to play for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT). USMNT Head Coach Bob Bradley, called on Pause in time for the team’s friendly against South Africa next week in Cape Town at the country’s Green Point Stadium. Midfielder Pause’s first appearance with the USMNT on July 4th in 1999 was in a CONCACAF Gold Cup match against Grenada. He has picked up five caps as part of the U.S. team. While the Fire fell short of making the playoffs in the 2010 MLS season, Pause tailed one goal, three assists, and started 26 matches. The South Africa friendly (Wednesday, November 17th at 1pm CT) as part of the Nelson Mandela Challenge began in 1994 and is now an annual event typically held in South Africa. This match, which falls on the anniversary of the first match the team played in South Africa, will be the 12th for the U.S. team in three years. Pause is the only Fire player in the U.S.’s player pool. Congratulations go out to Logan!

Chicago Fire-Holiday Ticket Pack

2010-11-01T21:24:50+00:00

From the Chicago Fire Website: The Chicago Fire Soccer Club unveiled today its 2011 Holiday Pack. The 2011 package provides the opportunity to see the Chicago Fire at a 50% savings off of ticket price and gives fans the opportunity to witness the Men in Red in action in their first two matches of the 2011 season. The limited time offer includes four (4) tickets to Opening Night at TOYOTA PARK, four (4) tickets to the Fire’s second home game at TOYOTA PARK and a Fire Ddidas Jabulani soccer ball starting at just $98. 2011 Holiday Packs are available through Ticketmaster or by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE (657-3473) or heading to the club’s official website at www.Chicago-Fire.com Holiday Pack vouchers may be redeemed by calling 708-496-6280 or at the TOYOTA PARK box office between the hours of 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM CT. __2011 Holiday Packs__ 2011 Premier Holiday Pack - $170 - Four (4) tickets in section 130-131 to the Fire’s Opening Night at TOYOTA PARK - Four (4) tickets in section 130-131 to the Fire’s Second Home Game at TOYOTA PARK - One (1) Fire Adidas Jabulani soccer ball ($25 retail value) 2011 Holiday Pack - $98 - Four (4) tickets in section 120-121 to the Fire’s Opening Night at TOYOTA PARK - Four (4) tickets in section 120-121 to the Fire’s Second Home Game at TOYOTA PARK - One (1) Fire Adidas Jabulani soccer ball ($25 retail value)

Chicago Head Into Offseason On Positive Note

2010-10-26T05:57:03+00:00

Saturday, in Brian McBride and CJ Brown’s final match, as well as the final for the Fire, Chicago won 4-1 against Chivas USA at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA. While McBride’s impressive right-footed heel-flick in the 40th minute brought him his 80th and final MLS goal, it was Freddie Ljungberg that stole the show with his goal a goal and his earlier assist to McBride who was the first to praise his teammate. “Freddie just has this uncanny ability of finding people,” McBride told Fox Soccer Channel after the match. “I made a run near post and he found me. Thankfully, I put it in.” Ljungberg had a number of edge-of-your-seat occasions, but the highlight would have to be his 47th minute goal. With an assist from winger Marco Pappa, Ljungberg landed a beautiful left-footed shot inside the far post bringing the score to 2-0. The last remaining Chicago Fire original, CJ Brown, in his last game before his retirement, played with all his usual intensity for his 90 minutes of play. Calen Carr, in the 67th minute, scored his 3rd goal of the season in his 14th game with a fake out of Chivas ‘keeper. And making his 5th goal of the season was Baggio Husidic, with a quick header of a Pappa ricochet. The 4-1 match gives Chicago a positive note to leave on as they head into the offseason.

CJ Brown To Retire At End of Season

2010-10-21T20:54:16+00:00

With only one remaining match left in the Fire’s season, CJ Brown has announced that he, like teammate Brian McBride will hang up his soccer cleats. Center back, and last remaining member of the original Chicago Fire team, C.J. Brown will retire after Saturday’s match in Carson, CA against Chivas USA, but would love to stay close to the city that has been his home for over a decade saying, ‘I would love to be a part of the Chicago Fire,’ he said. ‘My whole career has been about the Chicago Fire. I would do anything to be a part of this.’ Brown, 35, spent his entire 13-year career with the Fire and said he wishes to spend more time with his family, and as for his future, he says he’s interested in coaching. Throughout Brown’s MLS career he has appeared in 370 matches with Chicago, which is easily the league record. He won the 1998 MLS Cup, four US Open Cups and the 2003 Supporters’ Shield. The San Jose State alum was drafted by the Fire as the first overall pick of the 1998 Supplemental draft, and spent some time with the US national team early in his career, earning 15 caps from 1998 to 2003. Brown said he held off announcing his retirement until after the Fire’s last home game in order to give Brian McBride (also retiring) his proper sendoff. ‘Those that know me know I’m not big on being the center of attention,’ Brown said in a conference call, ‘And when I heard Brian announce his retirement … I didn’t want to get in the way of any of that. So I felt it was right to let him have his day.’ ‘I think I will have my time at some point,’ he added. ‘Honestly, just hearing the good things that people said about me is enough. I don’t need [the big celebration].’

Brian McBride’s Final Home Game an Emotional One

2010-10-19T19:24:26+00:00

On Saturday, October 16th, in the 88th minute, Brian McBride stepped off the Fire’s home field to end his time in the final home game of his career. Just before he walked off, McBride looked up to see his giant #20 flash across the screen, and to hear the crowd erupt into cheers for the legendary soccer hero. Peter Lowry, Chicago midfielder, was one of the last players to hug McBride before he exited. “It was great,” Lowry said. “I just told him it was an honor to have played with him, and that I’ve learned a lot from him, and that I hope that he’ll be around and be somebody that can help some of us younger guys. He’s been such a great role model.” When talking about his teammate, winger Patrick Nyarko, got a little broken up. “I’m really, really sad that he’s leaving,” Nyarko said. “He was a great teammate and a great professional and I learned a lot from him. It was very emotional for me today.” The Arlington Heights native and Buffalo Grove High School star, joined by his family, personally addressed fans from midfield and presented with a gift of appreciation from the Chicago Fire. Brian McBride’s Farewell to Chicago

Chicago Fire Prepare to Say Good-bye to #20 McBride

2010-10-13T15:25:04+00:00

The Chicago Fire’s Brian McBride, will be given a hero’s send-off as video well-wishes from past and present MLS and U.S. Men’s National Team players and coaches are played at his final home match at Toyota Park for the Fire’s home finale against D.C. United on Saturday, Oct. 16 at 3:00 PM. Last month, McBride announced that after the current MLS season, he planned to retire. The Arlington Heights native and Buffalo Grove High School star will honored at pre-game, halftime and post-game events. The club says McBride, joined by his family, will personally address fans from midfield as he is presented with a gift of appreciation from the Fire for “his pioneering contributions to MLS and U.S. Soccer.” McBride’s career included 11 years in the MLS with the Columbus Crew and Chicago Fire, but his professional career also included four and a half years with Fulham FC in the English Premier League between the two MLS stints. McBride has had 52 assists and 79 goals in 218 games in the MLS, with 17 goals in 55 matches while with the Fire. He is also credited with being a part of the most successful U.S. Men’s National Team ever. He has appeared in three FIFA World Cups, and ranks third all-time in goals scored behind Eric Wynalda and Landon Donovan. As part of the celebration, the club will be offering $20 Cornerkick seats to see #20 in his final home match in a Fire uniform. For $20 to see #20, call 1-888-MLS-FIRE (657-3473) or head to the club’s official website at www.Chicago-Fire.com. For additional information on season, group or individual 2011 match tickets, click here.

Chicago Left Behind With CO Draw, SJ Win

2010-10-11T12:43:58+00:00

Despite a win for the Chicago Fire at their 13th anniversary match against the Columbus Crew, the Fire were knocked out of playoff contention. The Colorado Rapids’ draw and San Jose’s win leave the Fire too many points behind with too few games left. Colorado is bringing up the rear of the playoff contenders with 42 points while the best the Fire could hope to do is 41. This is only the second time in history that the Chicago Fire have missed the playoffs. Though he has been in good spirits, failing to make the playoffs leaves a black mark on Brian McBride’s final year as, earlier in the season, Brian McBride announced this would be his last season in soccer as he plans to retire at its end. The Fire have a match against the 9th place Kansas City Wizards Tuesday, and while the match won’t change anything for Chicago, KC is nine points behind the Rapids, and are going to have a mighty fight on their hands if they want that 8th and final spot.

Fire Keep Playoff Hopes Burning

2010-10-10T22:51:50+00:00

With a 2-0 win over the Columbus Crew, the Chicago Fire have done what they can to keep their playoff hopes alive. With actor, Edward Norton in the stands, the Fire had a touch of Hollywood in the audience for their 13th anniversary game against Columbus. While the Crew were unable to take a single shot on Chicago’s goal the entire first half, the Fire’s Peter Lowry was more successful. Lowry scored the team’s 600th team goal in the match’s 30th minute with an assist from Patrick Nyarko. With Fire ‘keeper, Sean Johnson out of commission for the moment, Andrew Dykstra, who began the season as the starter before losing the job to Johnson in July, had a respectable match, Saturday. In the 53rd minute, Brian McBride doubled the Fire’s score, and would make the final goal of the night, again with a great assist from Nyarko, who should easily be named the player of the game.

B96 Night at the Chicago Fire Soccer match on 10/12

2010-10-06T12:41:02+00:00

Get your $9.63 tickets to B96 Night at the Chicago Fire Soccer match on 10/12 vs. the Kansas City Wizards at Toyota Park. B96 radio personalities will be there to enjoy the match and hang out with fans. Join the B96 Street Team before the Chicago Fire game from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Toyota Park in Bridgeview. B96 listeners can purchase tickets for only $9.63. Click here to buy tickets Use promo code: goal

Dallas Puts Out the Fire (3-0)

2010-10-04T21:01:57+00:00

Though still TECHNICALLY possible for the Chicago Fire to clench the final playoff spot, it’s seeming less likely after their 0-3 loss to FC Dallas on Saturday. While Dallas’ Jeff Cunningham had reason to celebrate, scoring his 132nd career goal tying the MLS record, Chicago was not in a celebrating mood. 11 points back, they are now learning a lesson in economics: Want vs. Need, because their next four games are not a matter of wanting to win their next four games, they NEED to win. Last week’s 3-0 win against San Jose was a big match as it ended the Fire’s seven-game winless streak. Sadly, the team was no match for Dallas and their now 18-game unbeaten streak. In the 19th minute, Dallas’ Milton Rodriguez put his team in control when he scored in the upper-left corner of Sean Johnson’s goal after dodging defender Kwame Watson-Siriboe who seemed to be showing his age despite huge performances in the Fire’s previous two games. Dallas’ 2nd goal came from Marvin Chavez in the 46th minute when he got a lucky deflection off Chicago defender Steven Kinney and landed a successful shot against Johnson. Cunningham scored his record-tying goal in the 67th minute at the bottom-left of the goal past a diving Johnson. Friday, Chicago hosts Columbus at Toyota Park. The Fire have a deep hole to crawl out of, but they have the talent to do so, and Section 8 will likely not be short on encouraging antics.

GOOOOOOOOAL! Chicago Fire Win 3-0 Against San Jose Earthquakes

2010-09-30T17:21:43+00:00

After seven winless games and a record 401 straight minutes of scoreless play, the Chicago Fire have pulled out a great win against the San Jose Earthquakes Wednesday night at Buck Shaw Stadium. The away game was a huge success as the 3-0 win keeps the flickering hope of a playoff spot alive. This was a game of firsts for Chicago as rookie Steven Kinney’s goal in the 39th minute was his first as an MLS player, Freddie Ljungberg’s first as a Fire DP in the 72nd minute, and Patrick Nyarko’s first of the season in the 92nd. The Quakes’ goalkeeper, Jon Busch, faced his former teammates for the first time since he was dropped from the Fire just before the start of the season. 10 points behind the Quakes and Sounders, Chicago has improved to 5th place in the Eastern Conference and remains in contention for the 2010 MLS with 5 games left to play until the 8th and final spot is won. Hopefully no one missed out on Chicago’s win due to the last-minute broadcast change. For more news visit the Chicago Fire Soccer Club page.

Chicago V. San Jose Broadcast Switch For September 29th Game

2010-09-30T04:09:26+00:00

“The Chicago Fire announced today that the broadcast for the Chicago Fire – San Jose Earthquakes match on Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 10:00 PM CT at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, CA will be broadcast regionally on Chicagoland Television (CLTV) and Comcast SportsNet Chicago Plus, nationally on ESPN Deportes and online at ESPN3.com. The match will no longer be available on ESPN2. CLTV is currently available on Comcast Cable in the Chicagoland area. Please check local listings or click here for a full list of CLTV Channels specific to location within the Chicagoland area. Comcast SportsNet Plus is available on Channel 666+1 on DirecTV. CLTV is also available on RCN Cable Channel 31 in the Chicago area, Comcast Cable Channel 10 in Rockford and Comcast Cable Channel 53 in South Bend, IN. The Fire and Quakes will split the broadcast duties, with Fire color analyst Chris Doran and Quakes play-by-play announcer Jim Kozimor bringing the action to life in homes throughout the Chicagoland area.”