Capano Camping Out in California With U.S. Under-20 National Team
Chicago Fire midfielder Craig Capano is one of 30 players selected by United States Under-20 Men's National Team Head Coach Sigi Schmid to participate in the team's final training camp of 2004 at U.S. Soccer's National Training Center at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA. The camp, which began last Sunday and will continue through Dec. 23, will be the last chance for players to impress Schmid before he selects the final roster to compete in Group A of the CONCACAF Under-20 Qualifying Tournament, which will also be held at The Home Depot Center, from Jan 12-16, 2005. The U.S. will be attempting to qualify for the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, which will be held in Holland from June 10-July 2, 2005. Capano is one of only six professional players chosen to take part in the camp, which also includes MLS players Freddy Adu (D.C. United), Arturo Alvarez (San Jose Earthquakes) and Danny Szetela (Columbus Crew). Capano was slated to attend the U-20's weeklong camp in Sunrise, FL in November, but an illness kept the 19-year-old captain from participating. Capano is not the only member of the Fire traveling to Southern California for the event, as Fire Head Athletic Trainer Jason Mathews will serve as the team's trainer during the 12-day camp.
Support the Supporters by Attending 8Fest at Small Bar This Thursday
Section8Chicago, the independent supporters association of the Chicago Fire, invites all fans of Chicago soccer to attend 8Fest, the organization's first fundraising event, at Small Bar, located at 2049 W. Division in Chicago, this Thursday, Dec. 16 from 6:30-10:00 p.m. Doors at the Wicker Park pub will open at 6:00, and the event will feature a Q&A session hosted by broadcaster Kenn Tomasch, with panelists Fire GM Peter Wilt and Chicago Storm Assistant GM Nick Di Benedetto, a silent auction and a raffle featuring prizes from the Fire, Section 8 Chicago and Small Bar. In addition, the music group Ness will conclude the festivities on stage with a concert beginning at 10:00 p.m. A voluntary donation of $15 will be accepted at the door, while raffle tickets - $10 for 5 tickets and $20 for 15 tickets - for select prizes will be made available prior to the event online. Proceeds from this event, and other donations assist Section 8 Chicago to produce banners, flags, and other displays seen at all Chicago Fire matches; plan and promote fan road trips to away games; and coordinate between the many varied fan groups that support the Chicago Fire. To purchase raffle tickets or to find out more information on 8Fest, please visit www.section8chicago.com or email Liam Murtaugh at liam@section8chicago.com.
Nitzaye Triumphs in Annual "Battle of the Bands"
The Chicago Fire would like to congratulate local band Nitzaye, who recently won the 4th Annual Battle of the Bands, presented by the Chicago Fire, Budweiser and Viva 103.1 FM. After advancing through a preliminary competition in October, Nitzaye won the final contest at La Justicia in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood earlier this month, a show that also included fellow finalists Malafacha and Zamandoque. For finishing as the winners, Nitzaye won an array of prizes, including Chicago Fire gear, airline tickets with the opportunity to perform in another city, interviews on Viva 93.5/103.1 FM, the opportunity to perform at a Chicago Fire game at Soldier Field in 2005, and consideration for Budweiser's True Music Act program.
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