The Chicago Fire and Polish side MKS Cracovia met for a press conference and dinner Monday night at Janosik Restaurant and Banquet Hall to promote their Friday night matchup, presented by Illinois Express Phone Cards. The match kicks off at 8 p.m. CT at TOYOTA PARK.
The press conference was followed by a banquet attended by the entire Cracovia team and select members of the Fire team and administration.
Media had an opportunity to ask questions of head coaches Dave Sarachan and Stefan Majewskias, team captains Chris Armas and Piotr Bania, as well as Cracovia President Janusz Filipiak.
"We are very pleased to be here in Chicago," said Filipiak. "It's going to be a very big match for us."
Armas said he's excited for the opportunity to play against different competition and acknowledged the influence the talented players that have come to Chicago from Poland, including former Fire captain Peter Nowak, have had on him.
"We put ourselves against the best players in our country every day," said Armas. "To be able to play against some of the best players in Poland is an honor.
"When I began playing, Peter Nowak, Jerzy Podbrozny and Roman Kosecki taught me a lot as a player. They brought a strong mentality and tradition to our club. The Polish influence is part of our tradition."
Sarachan felt similarly about the upcoming game.
"We always welcome opportunities to play top teams from around the world," said Sarachan. "Friday is going to be an electric night (for supporters of both teams). I think it's going to be an exciting test for all of our players, especially our younger players who do not get an opportunity to do this on a daily basis."
Tickets for the Chicago Fire-Cracovia game can still be purchased through the TOYOTA PARK box office and other Ticketmaster outlets. A special two-game package is currently available, which includes tickets to both the Chicago Fire - MKS Cracovia Krakow game on June 22, and the Chicago Fire - Columbus Crew match-up on August 4, slated for a "Polish Night" celebration at TOYOTA PARK.
For more ticket information, call 1-888-MLS-FIRE or visit www.chicago-fire.com. For information in Polish, please contact the Chicago Fire office at 708.496.6699, or e-mail at polishinfo@chicago-fire.com.
