Weekly update: Back on the pitch

The Chicago Fire (4-6-2 14 pts.) close out the second of a two-game regular season series with the Colorado Rapids (4-6-3 15 pts.) on Sunday, July 1, at TOYOTA PARK (6:00 p.m. CT, Comcast SportsNet). The Fire are coming off a 1-0 victory over Polish First Division side MKS Cracovia after a bye in week 12, while the Rapids are searching for a win after dropping their last four league decisions. Sunday's match-up will broadcast live on Comcast SportsNet and over the airwaves on Chicagoland radio stations WRTO-AM 1200 (Spanish) and WNVR-AM 1030 (Polish).

Chicago Fire Weekly Agenda

** Sites/times subject to change. Please call 708.496.6726 to confirm training schedule. All times Central.

Monday, June 25: Training at TOYOTA PARK practice field, 10:15 a.m.

Tuesday, June 26: OFF

Wednesday, June 27: Training at TOYOTA PARK main field, 10:15 a.m.

Thursday, June 28: Training at TOYOTA PARK practice field, 10:15 a.m.

Friday, June 29: Training at TOYOTA PARK practice field, 10:15 a.m.

Saturday, June 30: Training at TOYOTA PARK practice field, 10:15 a.m.

Sunday, July 1: Chicago Fire vs. Colorado Rapids - TOYOTA PARK - 6:00 p.m. CT - Comcast SportsNet

Chicago Fire/AthletiCo "Recovery Room": June 26
• Armas, Chris - Hip pain - PROBABLE
• Pause, Logan - Concussion - PROBABLE
• Rolfe, Chris - L ankle sprain - OUT
• Thiago - R groin strain - QUESTIONABLE
• Telesford, Osei - Hernia Repair, L adductor pain - OUT

Fire History vs. Colorado Rapids
This Sunday's match against the Rapids will be the only regular season home meeting versus at TOYOTA PARK for the 2007 campaign. The Fire previously met the Colorado club on April 15, when the "Men in Red" relied on an 85th minute goal from forward Chad Barrett to clinch a 1-1 result against the Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The draw result in Colorado moved the squad's record against Rapids in regular season play to 13-10-4. Chicago enters the match with an impressive 11-3-0 record in games contested in Chicagoland, with a 2-0-0 mark in postseason competition.

"Hammer"-ing Out a Win
The Chicago Fire, led for the first time by interim coach Denis Hamlett, earned a 1-0 win over MKS Cracovia in front of 15,817 fans in an international friendly last Friday night at TOYOTA PARK. The game-winning goal came courtesy of Willian Oliveira in the 36th minute of play off a free kick from just outside the 18-yard box. Fire goalkeeper Jon Busch recorded the shutout in his debut for the Fire. The "Men in Red" improved upon to a 5-3-1 mark in international friendlies at home, 11-6-2 all-time against international competition.

Chicago Fire History in International Friendlies

Getting-to-Know Hamlett
A member of the Chicago Fire coaching staff since the club's inaugural 1998 season, Denis Hamlett is serving his tenth season on the Fire bench. The first-ever black head coach in MLS, Hamlett already has a victory under his belt since the Fire defeated MKS Cracovia last Friday. Hamlett has taken over the reigns of a team that saw the Costa Rican native serve as top assistant coach since the 2001 campaign. Hamlett has also served three years as Head Coach of the Fire's MLS Reserve Division squad, which he's guided to a 9-12-7 record over its first three seasons. The 12th overall selection in the inaugural 1996 MLS Draft, Hamlett enjoyed a stellar campaign in the League's first season, starting 31 of the Colorado Rapids' 32 contests en route to being named the team's 1996 BIC Tough Defender of the Year.

Busch First Team First
With a 1-0 shutout in his 2007 Fire first team debut last Friday versus MKS Cracovia, goalkeeper Jon Busch has made his first MLS regular season start since suffering a right ACL tear on May 20, 2006 for the Columbus Crew against D.C. United. The New York native spent a portion of 2007 preseason with Toronto FC after being waived by Columbus, who he played for through four seasons, including eight games for through the 2006 campaign. Busch was 3-3-2 In 2006, with a 1.13 goals against average and three shutouts. Busch holds the all-time record for Crew goalkeepers in career wins (35), shutouts (25), games played (84), started (83), minutes (7,520), saves (367), and goals against average (1.24).

Blanco Watch
Cuauhtémoc Blanco, the Chicago Fire's Designated Player signing, has traveled with the Mexican National Team squad as they set to face powerhouse Brazil in their first game in Group B play in the 2007 Copa America (7:30 p.m. CT, TeleFutura and GolTV). Blanco made a late appearance in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final, coming on in the 78th minute in a 2-1 loss to the Americans in front of a sell-out crowd of 60,000. In Thursday's semifinal clash, Blanco started and played 85 minutes in a 1-0 victory over Guadeloupe to advance to the final. Blanco returned from a one-game suspension on June 17, coming off the bench in the 76th minute of Mexico's 1-0 quarterfinal win over Costa Rica. The 34-year-old attacker has been with the Mexican National Team after closing out his career with Mexican First Division side, Club América. Overall, the native of Mexico City, Mexico tallied seven goals and six assists through 1,530 minutes of action for the "Aguilas" in the 2007 Clausura regular season. Blanco will become an official member of the "Men in Red" on July 1.

Mapp Continues U.S. "Tour of Duty" in Venezuela
Fire midfielder Justin Mapp will be available to play for the U.S. Men's National Team squad for their Copa America Group B match-up against international power Argentine on Thursday, June 28 (7:45 p.m. CT, TeleFutura and GolTV) in Maracaibo, Venezuela. Mapp has been with U.S. team throughout the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup, accepting the call to play for the U.S. on June 9 by registering an assist on Brian Ching's 29th minute goal in a 2-0 win in group play versus Trinidad & Tobago. The helper marked the Mississippi native's second international assist with the "Red, White, and Blue". Mapp began the 2007 campaign training with the U.S. squad and registered the game-winning assist in a 2-0 win against Denmark on Jan. 20. The 22-year-old Brandon, Miss. native has made five overall appearances with the senior national team, dating back to his first ever appearance for the U.S. against Panama on Oct. 12, 2005.

Don Garber in Attendance Sunday
Major League Soccer Don Garber will be in attendance for this Sunday's Fire - Rapids match in an effort to promote the recent MLS W.O.R.K.S. partnership with Nothing But Nets and honor Diego Gutierrez for his leadership on malaria prevention. Local youth and will also be recognized for their continued support of Nothing But Nets, and Chicago Bull's star Luol Deng with also participate in the day's activities.

Fire Forward Breakdown
• Barrett, Chad - 3G/1A - 959 minutes - 12 games/11 starts (Scored game-winner in 3-2 win vs. CLB on June 3)
• Carr, Calen -1G/0A - 532 minutes - 10 games/5 starts (Last scored in 2-1 loss vs. DAL on May 17)
• Monteiro, Jerson - 1G/0A - 87 minutes - 4 games/0 starts (Scored first MLS career goal in 3-1 loss on June 16 @ DC)
• Rolfe, Chris - 4G/3A - 495 minutes - 6 games/6 starts (Has missed last six MLS games due to ankle injury)

Around the Town
Chicago Fire fans can catch their favorite members of the "Men in Red" as they make public appearances throughout Chicagoland this week. Fire goalkeeper Nick Noble will be on hand at the Banner Day Camp, located at 1225 Riverwoods Rd. in Lake Forest, Ill. this Tuesday, June 26, from 2:00-3:30 p.m. CT. Chicago Fire Soccer will host "Camp Day" on Wednesday, June 27, at TOYOTA PARK from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. CT, featuring Fire players Thiago and Chris Rolfe (12:00-12:30 p.m.), Osei Telesford and Jerson Monteiro (12:00-1:00 p.m.), and Bakary Soumare and Jordan Russolillo (1:00-1:30 p.m.). On Thursday, June 28, C.J. Brown will be at the Daily Herald All-area soccer player reception inside the TOYOTA PARK Stadium Club in Bridgeview, Ill. from 7:00- 8:30 p.m. CT. This Saturday, June 30, the U.S. Soccer Foundation will be holding a clinic at the Rauner Family YMCA on 2700 South Western Ave. in Chicago, Ill., with Fire defender Gonzalo Segares making an appearance from 1:30-3:00 p.m. CT.

Thornton Returns
Former Fire goalkeeper Zach Thornton makes his first return to TOYOTA PARK since his move to the Rapids this past off-season. In what was probably the most surprising news in the off-season prior to Chicago's signing of Blanco, the Fire traded its long-time goalkeeper and "Fire Original" to Colorado in exchange for a 2008 Supplemental Draft pick. The "Men in Red" in return picked up 2004 All-Star netminder Jon Busch, obtaining him from Toronto FC in the preseason for a 2009 Supplemental Draft selection. Thornton, a four-time All-Star and 1998 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, holds Fire career marks for saves (801), shutouts (57), goals against average (1.24), and wins (109).

Chicago Fire Soccer Presents AbilityCAMP on June 30
The FireWorks for Kids Foundation and the National Sports Center for the Disabled teamed together again to hold the third Chicago Fire Soccer AbilityCAMP for kids with physical and developmental disabilities on Saturday, June 30, at Argo Community High School from 4:00-6:00 p.m. CT. AbilityCAMP provides disabled youth with the chance to experience the sport of soccer. The complimentary, interactive camp allows kids, ages six to 18, with all types of disabilities to gain experience playing soccer. The fun-filled event will include instruction and skill development, use of equipment, games, prizes, and end with a snack. Chicago Fire players, coaches, and the official mascot of the Fire, Sparky, could make an appearance.

Fire Premier And Super-20s Doubleheader on June 28
The Chicago Fire Premier and Fire Super-20 teams will play in a doubleheader on Thursday, June 28, against the West Michigan Edge. Campton United Soccer Club will be hosting the event, in honor of two of their U18 players, Luis Mojica (St. Charles, Ill.) and Christopher Russo (Batavia, Ill.), who have just signed for the Fire franchise. The Super-20 match kicks off at 4:30 p.m. CT, followed by the Fire Premier at 6:30 p.m. CT. Both matches will take place at Campton Hills Park, located at the corner of Campton Hills Drive and Peck Road in St. Charles, Ill.

Blanco Selected to Hispanic Magazine's "50 Best Latino Athletes" List
Cuauhtémoc Blanco, the Chicago Fire's Designated Player signing, has been selected to the Hispanic Magazine "50 Best Latino Athletes" annual list as a member of the "Men in Red", alongside five other current MLS players. The Mexican National Team player is joined by MLS stars Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Jaime Moreno (DC United), Claudio Reyna (New York Red Bulls), Carlos Ruiz (FC Dallas), and Claudio Suarez (Chivas USA). Current U.S. Men's National Team member Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC) was also selected, a former Fire defender from 2000-03.

FireWorks For Kids 2007 Golf Retreat Set for July 19-21
Join other loyal Fire fans for the all-inclusive FireWorks For Kids Foundation (FWFK) 2007 Golf Retreat at the spectacular Eagles Nest Ranch in Denver, Colorado this July 19-21. The ninth annual FWFK trip includes airfare, transportation, meals, accommodations for two nights, a new set of golf clubs, a ticket to the 2007 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star game at the new Dick's Sporting Goods Park, fishing, hiking, golfing and more. All proceeds from the annual Golf Retreat benefit the FireWorks For Kids Foundation. For more information or to request an invitation to attend the 2007 Golf Retreat, please contact the Foundation office at 708-496-6740 or e-mail at jyavitz@chicago-fire.com.

Chicago Fire Commemorative Bricks Still Available
Reserve your place in TOYOTA PARK and Chicago Fire history by placing your order for a commemorative brick from the FireWorks for Kids Foundation. Memorial bricks still remain for those who missed the opportunity to purchase last year. Engraved bricks are available in two sizes, with donations starting at $150.00. The bricks will be prominently displayed just under the signature archway near the main entrance of TOYOTA PARK. For more information, visit the link here.

Join the Fire's Fight Against Malaria
Join Chicago Fire midfielder Diego Gutierrez in the battle against malaria. Major League Soccer joined the effort against malaria through its community outreach initiative - MLS W.O.R.K.S. - collaborating with the Nothing But Nets and Malaria No More campaigns. For more information on malaria awareness and how to donate, log on to www.NothingButNets.net or www.malariaNOMORE.org.