With its first selection in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft, the Fire took Virginia Tech University forward Patrick Nyarko in the first round as the seventh overall draft pick. The 2007 NSCAA All-American First Team selection scored 31 goals and notched 24 assists in 57 games played (48 starts) for the "Hokies" throughout his three seasons. The Fire selected University of Tulsa goalkeeper Dominic Cervi as its second pick in the first round, the 12th selection overall. The Fire continued to add to their attack in the second round, selecting Santa Clara University midfielder/forward Peter Lowry with the 26th overall pick. Chicago made two more offensive selections in the third round, taking Lynn University forward Dwight Barnett (38th overall) and University of Maryland midfielder Stephen King (40th overall). The Fire made its last selection in the fourth round, taking Gonzaga University defender Austin Washington as the 54th overall pick.
Hamlett picks coaching staff, Klopas named Technical Director
The Chicago Fire announced last Friday that head coach Denis Hamlett has named his coaching staff, which will include: Michael Jeffries as assistant coach, recently retired Chicago Fire captain Chris Armas as assistant coach, and Daryl Shore as goalkeeper coach. In addition, Fire President John Guppy appointed Chicago Fire alumnus Frank Klopas as technical director.
Two Fire Premier players taken in 2008 MLS SuperDraft
Chicago Fire Premier players David Roth and Rauwshan McKenzie were recently selected in the MLS 2008 SuperDraft. Roth, a midfielder, was selected in the fourth round (44th overall) by the New York Red Bulls after two seasons with the Fire Premier and an outstanding senior season at Northwestern University. He was honored as a second team All-American in 2007 and a two-time All Big-Ten player (2006-2007). McKenzie, a defender and Hoffman Estates native, played with the CFP last summer and was selected in the fourth round (53rd overall) by the Kansas City Wizard. McKenzie was honored as an All-Big-Ten selection in 2007 after his senior season at Michigan State University.
Section 8 new Year's Party at the Globe Pub Friday, Jan. 25
All fans of the Chicago Fire are invited to meet fellow supporters of the "Men in Red" this Friday, Jan. 15 at The Globe Pub, located at 1934 W. Irving Park Rd., in Chicago, for a special Section 8 New Year's Party. Important announcements regarding Fire Supporters news for the 2008 season will be made public at the event, as well as appearances by Fire President John Guppy and possible players/coaches. Section 8 merchandise will be on hand and there will be food and drink specials throughout the night.
Fire Academy Weekly training Schedule
** Sites/times subject to change. Please call 708-496-6577 to confirm training schedule. All times Central.
Monday, Jan. 21 |
OFF |
|---|---|
Tuesday, Jan. 22 |
Training at Bridgeview Golf Dome, 7:00 p.m. |
Wednesday, Jan. 23 |
OFF |
Thursday, Jan. 24 |
Training at DeKalb Sports & Rec. Center Field House, 7:15 p.m. |
Friday, Jan. 25 |
OFF |
Saturday, Jan. 26 |
OFF |
Sunday, Jan. 27 |
Training at Bridgeview Golf Dome, 7:00 a.m. |
Fire's Klopas, Nowak and Whitfield up for Hall of Fame voting
The National Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum recently released the 2008 Player's Ballot to over 100 media personnel from the print, broadcast, and on-line communities, National Team, qualified MLS Coaches, national soccer administrators, and Hall of Famers. Included on the ballot are former Chicago Fire forward Frank Klopas (1998-99), former captain and midfielder Peter Nowak (1998-2002), and former midfielder Evan Whitfield (1999-2004). Players who receive votes on 75% of the ballots cast will be elected to the Hall of Fame. Induction 2008 is planned for the weekend of Aug. 22-24 at the Hall of Fame and Museum in Oneonta, N.Y. Complete 2008 election results will be available on the Hall of Fame website, www.soccerhall.org.
Barrett to be honored at COMCAST SportsNet Sports Awards
The Chicago Fire will be represented at the Comcast SportsNet Sports Awards dinner on Monday, Feb 11, at the Hilton Chicago, located at 720 S. Michigan Ave., in Chicago. Fire forward Chad Barrett will be honored at the event along with athletes from the other major sports teams in the city. Since 1987, the event has raised more than 5.5 million dollars to support the March of Dimes' mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For more information on the Comcast SportsNet Sports Awards, visit www.csnsportsawards.com.
