BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. - U.S. Soccer today announced Chicago Fire goalkeeper Matt Pickens has been named to the 29-man roster that will participate in the upcoming U.S. Men's National Team camp at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Pickens was named to the roster by U.S. MNT Head Coach Bob Bradley as a replacement for Chivas USA goalkeeper and Homer Glen, Ill. native Brad Guzan, who will miss the camp after suffering a back injury earlier this month. Pickens joins fellow "Men in Red" midfielder Justin Mapp, defender Dasan Robinson and forward Chris Rolfe on the 29-man U.S. roster that will end its camp with an international friendly against Denmark on Saturday, Jan. 20 at The Home Depot Center (live on ESPN2, 4:00 p.m. CT).
After serving as the team's primary back-up during his first two seasons in 2004 and 2005, the 24-year-old Pickens was in the same role through much of 2006 until he was pressed into service full-time last September following an injury to starter Zach Thornton. The Missouri State product made the most of his opportunity in the starting role by earning Honda Player of the Month honors for September, in which he went 4-2-0 with a 0.83 goals against average (GAA) in helping the Fire clinch its spot in the 2006 MLS Cup Playoffs. Pickens collected all four wins for Chicago during the team's run to a fourth Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and finished the season with a 10-4-0 record, 1.06 GAA and four shutouts in regular season, Open Cup and playoff action combined.
During his three-year MLS career, Pickens has collected a 7-5-1 record, 1.32 GAA and one shutout in 13 regular season appearances (11 starts). Pickens also recorded a 1-1-0 mark, 0.86 GAA and a clean sheet in his only two MLS Cup Playoff appearances, both taking place in this year's Eastern Conference Semifinal Series against the New England Revolution. Pickens carved out a unique place in club history by becoming the first player from the Fire's USL Premier Development League affiliate, the Chicago Fire Premier, to make Chicago's senior squad after being selected by the Fire in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft.
The Chicago Fire will begin its tenth season of play in Major League Soccer at Bridgeview's TOYOTA PARK on Saturday, April 7, 2007, when the squad will welcome 2006 MLS Cup finalist New England Revolution for a 7:30 p.m. CT kick-off (television information TBD). Fans can secure their seats for the season opening match against the Revolution by purchasing a 2007 Season Full Ticket Package by phone at 1-888-MLS-FIRE or via the club's official website, www.Chicago-Fire.com.
