The Chicago Fire (3-2-1 10 pts.) and FC Dallas (3-3-1 10 pts.) meet in this week's MLS Primetime match-up Thursday night (7:00 p.m. CT, ESPN2) at TOYOTA PARK in Bridgeview. The Fire return from a three-game road stretch after falling 3-1 to Toronto FC in Ontario, Canada on Saturday. FC Dallas comes to Chicago with confidence after defeating the Kansas City Wizards, 2-1, on the road Saturday in Arrowhead Stadium. The Fire currently stand fourth in the Eastern Conference with 10 points, just one point behind New York and four points behind the conference-leading New England Revolution.
Fire History vs. FC Dallas
One of the League's most heated rivalries makes its 2007 debut Thursday as the battle for the Brimstone Cup kicks-off in a series Chicago trails 10-14-1 overall in regular season play. The Fire owns a more convincing 8-4-1 mark in games contested in Chicagoland, though the club's previous home victory came in a 2-0 effort on June 12, 2005. FC Dallas took the first meeting of the 2006 MLS campaign in the season opener, with Chicago twice squandering one-goal leads in a heart-breaking 3-2 defeat that kicked off the Fire's MLS record nine-game road trip. The "Men in Red" fell again 3-2 in TOYOTA PARK, despite two-goal effort from former Fire forward Andy Herron that dissipated as Dallas struck twice in the last 13 minutes to retain the Brimstone Cup trophy.
Chicago Fire/AthletiCo "Recovery Room" :: May 14
Rolfe, Chris - L ankle sprain - QUESTIONABLE
Pickens, Matt - R lateral thigh contusion - PROBABLE
Plotkin, Brian - L quad strain - PROBABLE
Dallas to Date
First year FC Dallas head coach Steve Morrow has led the "Hoops" to a 3-3-1 record since taking over the club on a full-time basis on December 11, 2006. The former Dallas assistant and Arsenal legend saw his side tie its season-opener 2-2 at Real Salt Lake on April 7 before notching a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy on April 12. Dallas suffered its worst loss of the 2007 campaign with a 3-0 result on April 15 at New York Red Bulls, but would rebound in a convincing 3-1 win at home versus the Colorado Rapids on April 22. Dallas fell in two-straight 1-0 losses versus Eastern Conference teams at Pizza Hut Park on April 26 against New York and April 29 versus the New England Revolution. Dallas bounced back on the road last Saturday at Kansas City with a 2-1 win to bring the team to 10 points, good enough for second place in the Western Conference behind leader Colorado (11 points).
2007 Brimstone Cup Battle Begins
While the Chicago Fire trophy case inside TOYOTA PARK boasts Conference Championships, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup victories, and the 1998 MLS Cup, one piece of hardware has gone missing since the Fire's 2001 campaign - the Brimstone Cup. In an effort to symbolize the intense nature of the Chicago-Dallas series during the Fire's first three seasons (1998-2000), supporters of both clubs developed the head-to-head series-winner award, the first rivalry-based trophy of its kind in MLS. The Fire raised the Brimstone Cup in the trophy's inaugural year of 2001, when Chicago won the points-based series (3-1-0) by an 11-5 margin. In the case of a tie, the previous holder retains possession of the cup. For more information on the Brimstone Cup, visit www.brimstonecup.com. The "Men in Red" have yet to reclaim the trophy as Dallas has either retained or won the series outright for the past five seasons.
Chicago "Primed" for Thursday Match-Up with FC Dallas
Chicago Fire Soccer has announced promotional activities for the club's first-ever ESPN2 MLS Primetime Thursday game at TOYOTA PARK against FC Dallas. The theme for the night's game will be "School Night Out", presented by Chipotle. Students with a valid high school or college ID will receive $5 off any ticket purchased through the TOYOTA PARK box office, and the first 2,500 fans that arrive receive a complimentary Chicago Fire - Chipotle lanyard. In addition, discounted $15 Firehouse tickets will come with a Chipotle free burrito card if purchased through 888-MLS-Fire (this offer is not valid on game day). A pre-game concert featuring Chicago's own, "The Hush Sound" will start at 5:30pm in the FireFest area, and the match-up inside TOYOTA PARK kicks-off at 7:00 p.m. CT. Fans are encouraged to create their best ESPN2-related "fan banners" and show them off at the Chicago Fire sales tent in the Northeast concourse. The fan with the best banner will win a 42" Plasma TV, courtesy of Panasonic.
Fire Reserves Knot 2-2 Draw With Toronto FC Reserves
Forward Calen Carr recorded a goal and assist to lead the Chicago Fire Reserves (0-2-2 2 pts.) to a 2-2 stalemate against the Toronto FC Reserves (1-1-2 5 pts.) in a Major League Soccer Reserve Division game held at BMO Field Saturday evening following the previous first-team match-up. Carr found Pascal Bedrossian open in the 32nd minute to tie the game at 1-1, then he gave the Fire a brief second half lead with a goal in the 57th minute. Gathering a loose ball in the box, Carr whirled and one-touched a shot from 12-yards out past TFC goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic. Toronto preserved a tie on Marco Reda's goal with 18 minutes left in regulation. Rookie goalkeeper Nick Nobel replaced starter Jon Busch in the second half and made two solid saves to keep the Fire in contention. The Chicago Fire Reserves are off until June 4, when they host the Columbus Crew Reserves (1-1-1 4 pts.) at TOYOTA PARK.
"Chicago Fire Soccer Weekly" Radio Show
"Chicago Fire Soccer Weekly", a half-hour weekly soccer talk show on WXAV 88.3 FM from the campus of Saint Xavier University (SXU), will air this Tuesday, May 15th at 6:00 p.m. CT, and each week throughout the rest of the Fire's 2007 MLS campaign. Fire midfielder Diego Gutierrez will be on this week's show to discuss Saturday's game versus Toronto, his recent visit to the White House, as well as his charity work in the Chicagoland community and abroad. Fans of the "Men in Red" are encouraged to call in at 708.429.0463 to talk all things Fire-related - all live over the airwaves and the internet, with podcasts available through the Chicago Fire or WXAV subscriptions on iTunes. For more information visit www.wxav.com or www.chicago-fire.com.
One for the Road, Again
With Rolfe's 36th minute goal in a 3-1 loss to Toronto Saturday and a lone 45th minute goal from Rolfe in the 3-1 loss at New England on May 5, Chicago has continued a streak of scoring just one goal in now four-straight road tests during the 2007 regular season campaign. Rolfe also tallied in the 60th minute in the Fire's 1-0 win at Houston on April 29, while the "Men in Red" needed a late goal from Chad Barrett in the 85th minute on April 15 to salvage a 1-1 tie at Colorado in the Fire's first 2007 away match.
Red-Hot Rolfe
With a goal in the 36th minute of the Fire's 3-1 loss at Toronto Saturday, Chicago forward Chris Rolfe continues his career-best form, producing four goals and three assists in his first six games to start the 2007 campaign. The University of Dayton product has tallied at least a point in six-straight MLS games, beating his previous mark of three goals and an assist in the first six games played in 2006. In the 2007 season opener at TOYOTA PARK, Rolfe's pass to Justin Mapp led to a cross into the box for midfielder Logan Pause to deflect in for a 1-0 result. In Week 2, it was Rolfe's helper that freed forward Chad Barrett behind the Rapids backline for the game-tying goal in the 85th minute to grab a late one-pointer. On April 21, Rolfe's assist led to Barrett's game-tying goal in the 36th minute and the 24-year-old forward got his first tally of the 2007 season with a game-winning penalty kick goal in the 73rd minute. Rolfe scored the game's only goal in the 60th minute for a 1-0 win at Houston on April 29, and followed that with a lone tally just before halftime in the Fire's 3-1 loss at New England on May 6. Rolfe is currently second in the Golden Boot award race behind the Revolution's Taylor Twellman (6g, 0a).
Join Chris Rolfe in ESPN.com Web Chat Thursday
Fire forward Chris Rolfe will be available to chat with fans on Thursday, May 17, via a web chat on www.espn.com at 1:00 p.m. CT. Rolfe will field questions following his one-goal performance last Saturday at Toronto as well as preview the upcoming MLS Primetime game versus FC Dallas at TOYOTA PARK (7:00 p.m. CT, ESPN2).
Fire Premier and Super-20 Squads Begin 2007 Campaigns
Both the Fire Premier of the Premier Development League (PDL) and Super-20s reconvened May 12-13 before the beginning of the regular practice schedule this Tuesday. Both squads will be practicing at the two soccer fields in Burr Ridge near 74th and Wolf Road in preparation for upcoming matches during the month of May. The Fire Premier will take on the Indiana Invaders the Wednesday, May 16, at 4 p.m. CT on the TOYOTA PARK practice field, while the Chicago Fire Super-20 squad will play in TOYOTA PARK on Sunday, May 27 following the Chicago Fire first team match against Real Salt Lake (4:00 p.m. CT, TeleFutura). For more information about the Chicago Fire Premier and Super-20 youth teams, please visit www.chicagofirepremier.com.
Around the Town
Chicago Fire players can be seen around Chicagoland as they make both private and public appearances this week. On Tuesday, May 15, Fire midfielder Justin Mapp and defender Jeff Curtin will be appearing at the St. Albert the Great School in Burbank, Ill. from 1:30-2:15 p.m. CT. On Wednesday, May 16, Fire midfielder Logan Pause and defender Gonzalo Segares will be on hand to sign autographs and talk to fans in anticipation of this Thursday's MLS Primetime game at the ESPN Zone on 43 E. Ohio St. in Chicago, Ill. From 6:00-7:00 p.m. CT. This Sunday, May 20, Fire players will attend the annual Meet the Team event for all Full and Half Season ticket holders, as well as club and suite holders from 12:00-2:00 p.m. CT in the TOYOTA PARK Stadium Club and other areas inside the stadium.
Meet the Team Event Set For May 20
Chicago Fire Soccer will be holding its annual Meet the Team event this Sunday, May 20, within the friendly confines of TOYOTA PARK. Chicago Fire players and coaches appearances will highlight the event, with prizes raffled off as fans can enjoy complimentary food and drinks with their favorite "Men in Red". Invitation notices have been mailed out to all Full and Half Season Ticket Holders and will be accepted as proof of invitation for entry through Gate E on the stadium's east side. One entry per seat in account will be accepted. Fans interested in attending the event can still RSVP by calling the Season Ticket Holder Hotline at 708.496.6800 or seasonticketservices@chicago-fire.com. Deadline to RSVP is this Wednesday, May 16.
Chicago Fire Juniors High School Tryouts Start May 20
Chicago Fire Juniors tryouts for high school-aged girls in the U15-U18 age bracket will be held this Sunday, May 20, at Seven Gables Park in Wheaton, Ill. The U17/18 Girls tryout will be from 3:00-5:00 p.m. CT, while the U15/16 Girls tryouts will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. CT. The high school U15/16 Boys tryouts will begin Tuesday, June 5th at Commissioner's Park in Naperville, Ill. from 7:00-9:00 p.m. CT, while the U17/18 Boys start tryouts on June 11 at Commissioner's park from 5:00-7:00 p.m. CT.
Blanco Watch
Cuauhtémoc Blanco, the Chicago Fire's Designated Player signing, is cruising with Mexican First Division side Club América as it plays through the playoff stretch of the 2007 Clausura campaign. América defeated Atlas in the first of a home-and-home series that saw the "Aguilas" tie 3-3 last Thursday at Atlas' Estadio Jalisco. Blanco notched two goals and an assist in the return leg last Sunday at Estadio Azteca, helping his club hand Atlas a heavy 4-1 defeat for the first round, 7-4 aggregate victory. In Week 17, Blanco scored the game-tying goal in the 34th minute in a 2-1 América win over Monarcas Morelia, Chicago's partner club. In Week 16 "Temo" started and played the full 90 minutes for América, registering an assist (Ricardo Rojas, 12') for the game's only goal in a 1-0 win over Atlante. Overall, the native of Mexico City, Mexico has tallied 7 goals and 6 assists throughout the 2007 Clausura with the "Aguilas". Blanco will become an official member of the "Men in Red" on July 1 and will be eligible to play that day in Chicago's match-up with the Colorado Rapids at TOYOTA PARK (6:00 p.m. CT, Comcast SportsNet).
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.
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.
Quick Kicks vs. FC Dallas
• Fire forward Chris Rolfe currently leads the league in consecutive games with a goal scored with four.
• Chicago has given up three goals in each of its last two games (New England 5/06, Toronto FC 5/12), the first time since the 2006 campaign that saw the Fire let in three against Real Salt Lake (6/03/06), New England Revolution (6/11/06), and the Kansas City Wizards (6/17/06).
• Fire defender C.J. Brown is the active series leader in fouls committed against Dallas with 35.
• Thursday's broadcast is one of four games on ESPN2 this season. Chicago will also be featured on "the deuce" on May 24 (@ New York), July 12 (vs. Houston Dynamo), and September 20 (@ FC Dallas).
• Fire midfielder Diego Gutierrez is serving a one-game suspension for Saturday's 45th minute red card ejection at Toronto and will not be available Thursday against FC Dallas.
• The Chicago Fire lead FC Dallas in postseason series play with a 3-2-1 record over the "The Hoops".
• Caution watch - Chad Barrett (2c), C.J. Brown (1c), Calen Carr (2c), Diego Gutierrez (2c, 1e), Jim Curtin (1c), Gonzalo Segares (1c), Thiago (1c).
