Justin Mapp and Chris Rolfe help U.S. National Team start off 2007 with 3-1 win over Denmark
Chicago Fire midfielder Justin Mapp and forward Chris Rolfe helped former Fire boss Bob Bradley get his tenure as U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach started off on a winning note last Saturday in the USA's 3-1 victory over Denmark at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The 24-year-old Rolfe earned his fifth career appearance for the "Red, White & Blue" with his starting nod against the Danes, playing a wide midfield role for the first half before going back to his familiar striker position after the halftime break until he was taken off in the 74th minute. Mapp's halftime substitution in place of former teammate Nate Jaqua gave the Mississippi native his second senior "cap" for the U.S. Mapp sparkled in his 45-minute appearance, routinely taking on Danish defenders and contributing the game-winning assist in the 57th minute, a play on which he beat four defenders on a 50-yard run before slipping a cross to defender Jonathan Bornstein for the finish and a 2-1 lead. Fire defender Dasan Robinson and goalkeeper Matt Pickens, who attended the two-week U.S. MNT camp that was capped by Saturday's friendly, were not named to Bradley's 18-man roster for the match and continue to seek their first "caps" for the USA's senior side.
Fire re-signs veteran midfielder and captain Chris Armas
Chicago Fire Soccer announced last week the re-signing of veteran midfielder and captain Chris Armas to a contract with the club. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not announced. An original member of the Fire since the squad's Inaugural Season of 1998, the 34-year-old Armas will return for his tenth season in Chicago in 2007, which will also mark his fifth year as the captain of the club. Since beginning his 11-year MLS career as a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy in 1996, Armas has racked up 12 goals and 46 assists in 239 regular season contests, all but three of which have included the Long Island native in the starting line-up. Additionally, Armas' 40 assists as a member of the "Men in Red" ranks second in Fire history, while his 188 starts (3rd), 16,824 minutes played (3rd) and 189 games played (4th) also place amongst the top five in Chicago annals. The five-time MLS Best XI team member has also garnered acclaim on the international level as a member of the U.S. Men's National Team, having earned 66 appearances (2 goals) for the "Red, White & Blue" since 1998 and winning the 2000 U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year award.
Save the date! FireWorks for Kids Foundation to host Ninth Annual Season Kickoff Luncheon on Tuesday, April 3
The FireWorks for Kids Foundation will help the Chicago Fire start its season off once again, as the club's charitable arm has announced the Ninth Annual Season Kickoff Luncheon, sponsored by Ticketmaster, will be held on Tuesday, Apr. 3 at the Hilton Chicago and Towers, located at 720 S. Michigan Ave. in downtown Chicago. As it has for the previous eight years, the Season Kickoff Luncheon will provide Chicago soccer fans the first opportunity of the year to meet their favorite Fire players and coaches, and will be one of the few events of the season featuring the club's full roster. The event includes a reception followed by lunch and a short program and also features the popular silent auction, which will include Fire and other sports memorabilia, gift certificates and much more. Tables of 10 cost $550 and individual tickets are $65 each. The first 20 full paid tables will get to sit with a Chicago Fire player (individual player appearances are tentative and subject to change). This popular event will sell out, so act quickly and order your tickets today! For more information on the Ninth Annual Season Kickoff Luncheon or to purchase tickets for the event, please call the FWFK Foundation 708-496-6740.
Guarantee your seats for ALL Fire matches in 2007 with a Chicago Fire Season Ticket package
With the Fire's full 2007 schedule not yet announced, many fans are wondering if a certain player - we'll call him "David B." to protect his anonymity - will be playing at TOYOTA PARK when the Los Angeles Galaxy make their lone appearance in Bridgeview this year. Well, believe it or not, there will be plenty of other events besides the Galaxy's possible "British Invasion" in 2007, and currently the only way to secure a seat for all the excitement of both MLS regular season (yes, including the Galaxy match) and select international matches at TOYOTA PARK is to become a Chicago Fire Soccer Season Ticket Holder. All Chicago Fire season tickets for the team's 2007 season in Bridgeview are now on sale, and the Fire is proud to announce that Full Season, Half Season (10 tickets) and Flex Plan (20 tickets) prices in all seating areas will remain at their 2006 prices, with Full Season packages starting at $320. Fans wanting more information, including all the benefits that go along with being a Fire Season Ticket Holder, are encouraged to call the Fire Ticket Hotline at 708-496-6800 or click on the "TICKETS" link at www.chicago-fire.com for more details.
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