Training at TOYOTA PARK practice field, 9:00 a.m., Wanchope Press Conference, 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, July 31 -- OFF
Wednesday, August 1 -- Training at TOYOTA PARK practice field, 9:00 a.m.
Thursday, August 2 -- Training at TOYOTA PARK practice field, 9:00 a.m.
Friday, August 3 -- Training at TOYOTA PARK practice field, 9:00 a.m.
Saturday, August 4 -- Chicago Fire vs. Columbus Crew - TOYOTA PARK - 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 5 -- OFF
"Chicago Fire Soccer Weekly" Radio Show - Matt Pickens
"Chicago Fire Soccer Weekly", a half-hour weekly soccer talk show, will air its next broadcast via WXAV 88.3 FM from the campus of Saint Xavier University (SXU) this Tuesday, July 31, at 6:00 p.m. CT, and each week throughout the rest of the Fire's 2007 MLS campaign. Host Kevin Kellam and guest-host Terry Bonadonna will talk with Fire goalkeeper Matt Pickens on his shutout performance in the Fire's recent 3-0 win over Toronto FC. Fans are encouraged to call in at 708.429.0463 to talk about all things Fire-related - live over the airwaves and the internet, with podcasts available through Chicago Fire or WXAV subscriptions on iTunes. For more information, visit http://www.wxav.com or www.chicago-fire.com.
Bob Bradley Inducted Into "Ring of Fire" Saturday
Chicago Fire Soccer has announced that former Fire head coach Bob Bradley will be inducted into the prestigious "Ring of Fire" Hall of Fame this Saturday, Aug. 4, at TOYOTA PARK in a halftime ceremony as the "Men in Red" take on Eastern Conference foe Columbus Crew (7:30 p.m. CT, HDNet). Bradley, who is currently serving as the U.S. Men's National Team head coach, and fellow inductees Peter Wilt, Peter Nowak, and Frank Klopas will be in attendance for a 90-minute pre-game reception on the TOYOTA PARK rooftop to celebrate the induction. Tickets for the reception are still available through The FireWorks for Kids Foundation (FWFK) by contacting Community Relations Director Jessica Yavitz at 708.496.6740 or jyavitz@chicago-fire.com.
Saturday Night is Polish Night at TOYOTA PARK
Chicago Fire Soccer will once again host Polish Night on Saturday and as part of the celebration, the club will also host a pre-game Polish festival featuring food, music, and live entertainment. The Fire will also induct former Fire head coach Bob Bradley into the club's Hall of Fame, the "Ring of Fire," during a halftime ceremony. Former Fire captain and current U.S. assistant coach Peter Nowak will be a part of the "Ring of Fire" presentation and a post-game autograph session.
The Fire's Polish Night will showcase Poland's rich musical and soccer heritage, as the Fire's opponent features Polish-American midfielder Danny Szetela and former Poland international midfielder Robert Warzycha, now an assistant coach of the Crew. A special pre-game FireFest beginning at 6:00 p.m. CT will feature a concert with Polish hip-hop artist "Funky Polak," as well as performances by the Polish Highlander Children Dancers & Singers. Those interested in corresponding with the Fire in Polish can email polishinfo@chicago-fire.com or call 708-496-6699.
After the game, fans will have the opportunity to meet Fire forward Chris Rolfe and defender Daniel Woolard in an autograph session on the TOYOTA PARK east concourse (by guest services) and will receive a complimentary water bottle upon exit, courtesy of Gatorade.
Chicago Fire Soccer and media partner Polvision, a Chicago-area Polish outlet, are offering a special "Polvision 4-Pack", which include four tickets to Polish Night and four "Polskie Orly" T-shirts. The first 200 tickets purchased through the Polvision 4-Pack include a special invitation to a private, post-game autograph session with former Fire captain Peter Nowak. For more information on Polish Night, please visit www.chicago-fire.com or call 888-MLS-FIRE.
Forward Paulo Wanchope Signs
Chicago Fire Soccer announced Friday, July 27, the signing of Costa Rican international Paulo Wanchope (pronounced wahn-CHO-peh) and as a result of the signing, the Fire have now filled all four Senior International slots on the team's 28-man full roster. Per Major League Soccer (MLS) and team policy, specific terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"Paulo Wanchope is a proven goal-scorer, and his presence on the field will have an immediate impact as we enter the second half of the season," said Fire President/CEO John Guppy. "I'm sure he will gel very well with the rest of the team on the field and in the locker-room and we welcome him to the Chicago Fire."
Wanchope 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 Fire head coach Juan Carlos 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.
"I think the Paulo Wanchope can only be good news for everyone involved with the club," said Fire head coach Juan Carlos Osorio. "Paulo is a very experienced striker, and has scored goals at all levels. I think he will improve our attacking force and hopefully he will be someone challenging the rest of the strikers on the starting line, helping us score more goals, winning more matches, and achieving our goal of making the playoffs."
Fire Forward Breakdown:
Barrett, Chad - 4G/1A - 1,347 minutes - 17 games/16 starts (Scored game-tying goal in 1-1 draw vs. TOR on July 7)
Blanco, Cuauhtémoc - 0G/1A - 82 minutes - 1 game/1 start (Notched game-winning assist in 3-0 win @ TOR on July 29)
Carr, Calen -2G/1A - 822 minutes - 15 games/8 starts (Scored in 3-0 win @ TOR on July 29)
Monteiro, Jerson - 1G/0A - 154 minutes - 5 games/1 starts (First MLS start against COL on July 1)
Rolfe, Chris - 4G/3A - 495 minutes - 6 games/6 starts (Has missed last eleven MLS games due to ankle injury)
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 http://web.mlsnet.com/t100/community/memorial_bricks/.
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.
