BRIDGEVIEW, IL (Sept. 4, 2007) - Chicago Fire Soccer announced today that the organization has waived midfielder Thiago, opening a Senior International roster spot on the Fire's 28-man roster. Colombian defender Wilman Conde, who signed with the Fire on Aug. 16, will fill the Senior International roster spot and be available to play for the "Men in Red" pending approval of his work visa.
The Fire signed Thiago da Rosa Correa on Jan. 1, 2005, from Ginásio Pinhalense de Esportes Atléticos of São Paolo, Brazil. In his three seasons with Chicago, the 25-year-old midfielder played in a total of 67 games (55 starts), registering nine goals and 10 assists in his 5,018 minutes of play. Thiago had his best season in 2005, posting six goals through 27 games played (25 starts). The Porto Alegre, Brazil, native earned Sierra Mist Goal of the Week honors (Week 5) for his 64th minute, 10-yard game-tying volley on April 30, 2006, while on the road at New England.
"Thiago is a good player," said Chicago Fire Head Coach Juan Carlos Osorio. "The decision to let him go was based a need to strengthen our defensive line and the only way to do that was to let go of one of our internationals for Wilman (Conde)."
Before joining the Fire, Thiago played for Ginásio Pinhalense de Esportes Atléticos of São Paulo and helped the GPEA squad to the Sao Paulo State Championships' playoff round in July of 2004. He made his professional debut for Sporting Club Internacional of Porto Alegre in January of 2003 after rising through the club's youth system. Through his years in the S.C. Internacional youth system he helped the club win seven titles including: the Brazil Cup, Rio Cup, and the South American Club Championship.
