Weekly Notes: Returning home

Cuauhtemoc Blanco and the Fire will be back home at Toyota Park for their game Sunday vs. Dallas.

CHICAGO FACE FC DALLAS SUNDAY AT TOYOTA PARK


The Chicago Fire (11-8-5, 38 pts.) return to TOYOTA PARK to play FC Dallas (6-9-9, 27 pts.) this Sunday, Sept. 21 (2:00 CT, My50 Chicago, TeleFutura, WRTO 1200-AM Spanish, WNVR 1030-AM Polish). Chicago lost 1-0 at Colorado last weekend and enter this week in third place in the Eastern Conference standings; three points behind New England (41 pts.) and six points behind Columbus (44 pts.). The Fire are 5-4-2 at home, going 3-1-2 in their last six home games. The Fire still lead the league in goals against average (0.83) and goal differential at +10 (30-20).

CHICAGO-DALLAS SERIES AND PREVIOUS GAME RECAP

The Chicago Fire dropped their first road game of the season 1-0 at FC Dallas on June 15, ending a five-game road unbeaten streak to start the season. Dallas forward Kenny Cooper scored the game-winning goal in the 17th minute, with the assist credited to Andre Rocha. FC Dallas leads the all-time series 16-10-2 but the Fire lead the series in games in Chicago at 8-5-1.


FIRE PRESENTS 2008 HISPANIC HERITAGE DAY AT TOYOTA PARK

The Chicago Fire is proud to present 2008 Heritage Day on Sunday, Sept. 21, during the Fire's match against FC Dallas. As part of the celebration, the Fire and Budweiser will recognize 11 Teaching Heroes that have made significant contributions to Chicago's Hispanic community. The winners will be recognized and presented with Chicago Fire jerseys at halftime. In addition, the Chicago Fire, in partnership with the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, Federal Life, and Advocate Hope Children's Hospital will award and recognize a student with a $1,000 scholarship to the college of his or her choice. FireFest will feature music from Ballet Folklórico and a mariachi band, as well as inflatable games, face painting, and food.


CHICAGO FIRE WEEKLY AGENDA


** Sites/times subject to change. Please call 708.496.6725 or 6726 to confirm training schedule. All times Central.


Tuesday, Sept. 16 OFF

Wednesday, Sept. 17 Training at TOYOTA PARK practice field, 9:30 a.m.

Thursday, Sept. 18 Training at TOYOTA PARK practice field, 9:00 a.m.

Friday, Sept. 19 Training at TOYOTA PARK stadium field, 9:00 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 20 Training at TOYOTA PARK practice field, 9:30 a.m.

Sunday, Sept. 21 Chicago vs. FC Dallas - TOYOTA PARK - 2 p.m.


LOCAL CHICAGOLAND WENDY'S TO HOST CUSTOMER APPRECIATION NIGHT ON SEPTEMBER 17

Wendy's stores in the Chicago area are hosting Customer Appreciation Night to benefit the FireWorks for Kids Foundation, the charitable arm of the Chicago Fire. The event will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Over 140 participating Wendy's stores across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana will donate a portion of their dinner sales from the evening to the FireWorks for Kids Foundation.


FIRE AT THE BROOKFIELD ZOO SATURDAY

Bring the family to "Fiesta para Todos" at Brookfield Zoo on Saturday or Sunday, September 20th and 21st. This celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month features traditional folkloric dance, food, animals, music and much more. Join the "Party for All" along with Chicago Fire Soccer and the Fire Express crew on Saturday, Sept. 20 for activities, a visit from Sparky (noon-2pm), and a Chicago Fire player signing autographs from 12:30pm-2pm. For more event information visit www.czs.org or call Brookfield Zoo at 708-688-8000.


U.S. WOMEN'S NATIONAL TEAM FACES IRELAND - SEPTEMBER 20

The U.S. Women's National Team take on Ireland at TOYOTA PARK on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. The U.S. Women advanced to the finals of the 2008 Olympics with a 4-2 victory over Japan and defeated Brazil for the gold medal on Thurs., Aug. 21. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com, or through the TOYOTA PARK Box Office, (312) 559-1212.


CLIPPING FOR A CURE AT TOYOTA PARK

Join Clipping for a Cure when they host Childhood Cancerpalooza at TOYOTA PARK on Saturday, September 20th. Help raise money to battle childhood cancer by attending this special event with live music for adults and children, games, food, animal attractions and much more. Clipping for a Cure will also be shaving heads to honor the children who fight these terrible diseases on a daily basis. For information on how you can become a shavee and raise money for cancer research, visit clippingforacure.org.


FIRE LAUNCH ONLINE VOTING FOR ALL-DECADE BEST GAMES

As part of the Chicago Fire 10th Anniversary Celebration, the Fire has launched a new category in the All-Decade Sweepstakes for the Best Games in Fire history. Fans can choose their top 5 favorite games from throughout the Fire's previous 10 seasons for a chance to win great prizes in the 10th Anniversary Sweepstakes. The top five voted games will be announced at the Fire vs. Crew game on October 12. To vote visit: http://www.mlsnet.com/t100/fans/best_games/.


2009 SEASON TICKET DEPOSITS

Chicago Fire 2009 Season Tickets are now on sale. With a deposit of $200 on new season tickets, individuals will receive one free Cuauhtémoc Blanco autographed picture and one free $50 Best Buy Gift Card. Call 1-888-MLS-Fire for more information.