When the Chicago Fire faced Everton FC Wednesday in an friendly at Toyota Park, the souvenir stands had the usual Blanco T-shirts, a few Everton jerseys, and a new item: the No. 20 jersey of newcomer Brian McBride.
A meeting between Fire owner Andrew Hauptman and officials with Toronto FC led to Wednesday's announcement that TFC had traded the long-standing U.S. national team forward to the Fire for young forward Chad Barrett and a 2009 first-round draft pick.
McBride, who "retired" at the end of the most recent English Premier League after spending four years with Fulham, had strongly requested he be allowed to play with the Chicago Fire, which is his hometown team. McBride grew up in suburban Arlington Heights, and has maintained a home there since leaving the Columbus Crew in 2002.
Toronto FC was awarded McBride by having the top allocation spot when McBride announced he wanted to return to MLS, but there was no question he would end up playing for the Fire.
Hauptman had a conversation with McBride Wednesday afternoon and said McBride was "over the moon" about the chance to play for the Fire. In a conference call with Chicago reporters Wednesday, McBride could barely contain his enthusiasm for the transaction.
"I can now say I'm a Fire player," McBride said from Hong Kong, where he is preparing to play in the 2008 Beijing Olympics with the U.S. Olympic team. "It's an exciting time for myself and my family."
The contract signed with MLS is for the remainder of this season and all of next season, but the 36-year-old McBride said he might not be done then.
"My goal is to continue playing at a high level for a long period of time," McBride said.
Because of his Olympic duties, McBride's first possible Fire appearance would be Aug. 16 in a home game against D.C. United. If the U.S. makes it past the group round of the Olympics, his Fire debut would be put off.
But McBride said there would be no need for time off after the Olympic Games.
"I'd jump right back in," McBride said with a laugh. "There would be no need for a break."
Kent McDill is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
