BRIDGEVIEW, IL (August 3, 2007) - Chicago Fire Soccer announced today that forward Paulo Wanchope has been awarded his work visa and as a result will be available for head coach Juan Carlos Osorio for the game Saturday against the Columbus Crew (7:30 p.m. CT, HDNet). Wanchope is one of four Senior Internationals on the squad and will be placed on the 18-man Senior Roster, filling the slot vacated by defender Jim Curtin, as he has been placed on the season-ending injury list alongside Fire defender Jordan Russolillo.
Wanchope, 31, began his career with Club Sport Herediano (1994-97), before moving on to England to play with Derby County (1997-1999), West Ham United (1999-00), and Manchester City (2000-04), where he played under Osorio. Wanchope has since seen stints with Malaga CF (2004-05), Al-Gharrafa Sports Club (2005), CS Herediano (2006), Rosario Central (2006), and most recently FC Tokyo (2007). The Costa Rican international is his country's second all-time leading goal scorer and has played in the 2000 and 2002 Gold Cups, as well as the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups.
Curtin will be placed on the season-ending injury list, effective immediately. The 28-year-old Oreland, Pa. native played in 11 contests (10 starts) for the "Men in Red" through the 2007 campaign before suffering a serious labral tear (shoulder) injury against the Kansas City Wizards on April 21. A 2001 MLS SuperDraft third round pick, Curtin has played in 151 games (135 starts) for a total of 12,408 minutes played, and in that time has contributed four goals and six assists throughout his seven-year career.
Joining Curtin on the season-ending injury list will be sophomore defender Jordan Russolillo. The 23-year-old Southern Connecticut State product saw spot time this season, making his first team MLS debut for the Fire on June 3 at home versus the Columbus Crew. The 2006 MLS SuperDraft third round pick is out for the remainder of the season due to a right hip laberal tear.
12 Paulo César Wanchope Watson
Position: Forward
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 186 lbs.
Born: July 31, 1976 in Heredia, Costa Rica
Hometown: Heredia, Costa Rica
Citizenship: Costa Rica
Last Club: FC Tokyo
How Acquired: Signed on July 27, 2007
Professional Experience: CS Herediano (1995-97, 2006), Derby County (1997-99), West Ham United (1999-00), Manchester City (2000-04), Málagia CF (2004-05), Al-Gharrafa Sports Club (2005), Rosario Central (2006), FC Tokyo (2007)
Pronunciation: wahn-CHO-peh
