BRIDGEVIEW, IL (August 20, 2007) - Chicago Fire Soccer announced today the signing of Colombian international defender Wilman Conde (pronounced will-mahn COHN-day) and will be available to play for the "Men in Red" pending work visa approval and the opening of a roster spot. Per Major League Soccer (MLS) and team policy, specific terms of the deal were not disclosed. The club has also placed midfielder Willian Oliveira on waivers, effective immediately. As a result, the Fire have opened a Youth International slot on the team's 28-man full roster.
Conde, 24, has been with Millonarios in the Mustang Cup first division since the 2006 season, where he played under Fire head coach Juan Carlos Osorio. The native of Cali, Colombia has represented his country at the U15, U17, U20, and U23 levels and has also played for Colombian clubs Aucas (2005), Deportivo Cali (2001-04), and Deportes Quindio (2000). Osorio brought Conde to Millonarios after the defender trained with Argentine club Tigre and Colombian side Real Cartegena through the beginning of the 2006 season.
"Wilman is a very good reader of the game. Although he is young, turning 25 next week, he has plenty of experience," said Osorio. "Wilman is good in the air and has two strong feet. He distributes the ball well coming out of the back and plays well in one-on-one situations. I believe Wilman will be a good all-around player for us."
Willian Oliveira leaves the Fire after joining the club on April 27, having previously spent the past four years in the W Connection program, playing for both the U20 and Senior Connection squads. The native of Sao Paulo, Brazil played eight games (four starts) for the "Men in Red" in 2007, his lone MLS career goal proving to be a game-tying one on June 3, helping the Fire defeat Columbus Crew 3-2 at TOYOTA PARK.
22-Wilman Conde
Position: Defender
Height: 6'2" (1.87 m)
Weight: 188 lbs. (85 kg)
Born: August 29, 1982 in Cali, Colombia
Hometown: Cali, Colombia
Citizenship: Colombia
Last Club: Millonarios (Colombia)
How Acquired: Signed as a Senior International on 8-20-2007
TRANSACTION: CHICAGO FIRE sign Colombian defender Wilman Conde, waive midfielder Willian Oliveira.
