The Chicago Fire (4-4-2, 14 pts.) close out a three-game home stretch against Chivas USA (3-3-2, 11 pts.) this Saturday night at TOYOTA PARK. The "Men in Red" snapped a five-game winless streak with a physical 3-2 win at home Sunday night against the Columbus Crew. Chivas USA should be well-rested, as the Los Angeles-based club did not play last weekend due to a bye in Week 9. The Fire have regained fourth place in the Eastern Conference with 14 points, just five points behind the conference-leading Kansas City Wizards (6-2-1, 19 pts.). Kick-off from Bridgeview is set for 7:30 p.m. CT and can be followed live on Chicagoland radio station WRTO-AM 1200 (Spanish), and on television nationwide via Fox Soccer Channel on the MLS Direct Kick Package.
Fire History vs. Chivas USA
The Chicago Fire and Chivas USA will meet for the first of a two-game, home-and-away regular season series this Saturday, with the "Men in Red" looking to inch ahead in the overall season series knotted with an even 2-2-0 mark. The Fire are looking to rebound after dropping both 2006 contests, losing a 1-0 decision on May 27 on the road and falling 2-1 in the first-ever TOYOTA PARK meeting between the two clubs on Aug. 12. Chicago swept the 2005 season series with an emphatic 5-2 win at Soldier Field on June 4 in the first game ever played between the Fire and Chivas USA, with the "Men in Red" also posting a 1-0 result away at The Home Depot Center on July 2.
Chivas USA to Date
First year coach and MLS veteran Preki has guided Chivas USA to a 3-3-2 mark to this point, splitting results both in April and May. It's been up-and-down since the start of the season, as the team posted a 2-1 win in their home-opener against expansion club Toronto FC (4/7) before falling 1-0 to the Houston Dynamo on the road the following week (4/14). Chivas USA bounced back with a resounding 4-0 victory over Real Salt Lake (4/21), but would fall 3-1 the following Saturday against intra-city rival Los Angeles Galaxy (4/28). The story continued in May, losing 2-1 to D.C. United (5/6) and tying the Columbus Crew 1-1 (5/12) on the road. Another Super Clasico match-up saw Chivas USA draw 1-1 with the Galaxy (5/20), while a 2-0 win at home versus conference-leading FC Dallas has the side situated in third place within the Western Conference.
Jeff Out, Jimmy Back in
Fans of the "Men in Red" may have done a double-take once again this past Sunday as veteran Chicago Fire defender Jim Curtin came on in the 73rd minute in order to fill a defensive gap left by his younger brother, sophomore defender Jeff Curtin, who was ejected in minute 63 with a dual yellow booking. Younger Curtin, a four-year Georgetown product, missed almost his entire 2006 rookie season due to a season-ending surgery to repair an athletic Pubalgia condition (5/10). He and older brother Jim are the ninth set of brothers to make the ranks of MLS, and the second to do so as members of the Fire, joining Jamar and DaMarcus Beasley.
Willian Oliveira Takes Man of the Match Award
Chicago Fire midfielder Willian Oliveira earned "Honda Man of the Match" honors after collecting his first MLS career points with a goal and an assist on Saturday. The Sao Paulo, Brazil, native struck the corner kick that eventually found the head of defender Jeff Curtin in the 25th minute for a 1-0 lead, then took a freekick in the 61st minute that snuck through a crowded 18-yard-box and into the back of the net for a 2-1 Fire advantage. On May 24, Oliveira made his MLS debut off the bench for ten minutes with the Fire, following an announcement that same day that the club had signed the young midfielder, acquired from W Connection of Trinidad and Tobago.
Soumare Starts
Coach Sarachan elected to start and play rookie defender and Generation adidas signing Bakary Soumare for a full ninety-plus minutes Sunday. Soumare, Chicago's first pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft (2nd overall) made his first appearance for the "Men in Red" in the Fire's 0-0 draw with Real Salt Lake on May 17, as the 21-year-old University of Virginia product came off the bench to relieve midfielder Brian Plotkin. Soumare has worked his way towards first team minutes by proving himself in the Reserve Division, starting three games for a total of 270 minutes of reserve play.
Attendance for Soccer Saturday
With over 14,000 tickets already paid for Saturday's Chicago Fire-Chivas USA match-up, the Fire could play in front of its largest home crowd this season. The largest crowd to date for Chicago's 2007 campaign came in the Fire home opener on April 7 against New England, with 15,353 in attendance. Chivas USA has played in front of two 27,000 announced Super Clasico crowds away (4/29) and at home (5/20), both at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
Players to Receive 2006 U.S. Open Cup Rings
Fans may want to ensure they get to their seats early Saturday night as members of the 2006 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup-winning squad are honored prior to the start of the match. A highlight video tribute to the "Men in Red" will be shown, with Fire President/CEO John Guppy on hand to present each Open Cup-winning player and coach with a 2006 U.S. Open Cup Championship ring prior to the Fire-Chivas USA kick-off. The Fire clinched their MLS club-record fourth Open Cup title on Sept. 27, 2006, defeating the Los Angeles Galaxy 3-1 at TOYOTA PARK.
Jordan Russolillo Makes First Team Debut
Coming off the bench to relieve Fire midfielder Brian Plotkin 92+ minute on Sunday, sophomore defender Jordan Russolillo earned his first career minutes in MLS play. The Fire's third-round 2006 SuperDraft pick took the course many young players have in the past two years by making the most of the MLS Reserve Division, becoming a staple for the Fire Reserves in his first professional season. The Southern Connecticut State product was a co-leader on the Fire Reserves with 10 appearances and nine starts in 2006, and has played five games (two starts) for 285 minutes of action for the 2007 Reserves season.
Fire Head Coach Dave Sarachan
Now in his fifth season, head coach Dave Sarachan owns a career record of 55-48-31 (.526). Among MLS coaches, Sarachan ranks ninth all-time in winning percentage and 12th in overall wins. He has led Chicago to the postseason in three of the last four years, including an appearance in MLS Cup 2003. Under Sarachan's direction, the Fire have captured two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titles (2003, 2006). Sarachan was named MLS Coach of the Year in 2003 after leading the Fire to the league's best record (Supporters Shield).
Fire Forward Breakdown:
Barrett, Chad - 3G/1A - 779 minutes - 10 games/9 starts (Scored game-winner in 3-2 win vs. CLB on June 3)
Carr, Calen - 1G/0A - 355 minutes - 8 games/3 starts (Last scored in 2-1 loss vs. DAL on May 17)
Monteiro, Jerson - 0G/0A - 40 minutes - 2 games/0 starts (Made MLS debut on May 27 vs. RSL)
Rolfe, Chris - 4G/3A - 495 minutes - 6 games/6 starts (Has missed last four games due to ankle injury)
No Introductions Needed
Former Fire head coach Bob Bradley brought two "Fire Originals" on board to Chivas USA before leaving for the U.S. National Team post, first trading with Chicago to acquire midfielder Jesse Marsch on Jan. 24, 2006 before trading with the then-MetroStars to obtain the services of the Fire's all-time leading scorer, forward Ante Razov, a week later. Marsch and Razov aren't the only former "Men in Red" donning Chivas USA's red and white stripes these days, as defender Orlando Perez played for Chicago from 2002-04.
Fire Reserves Drop 1-0 Decision to Crew Reserves
The Chicago Fire Reserves (0-3-2 2 pts.) are searching for the team's first win of the 2007 campaign after coming up short in a 1-0 result against the Columbus Crew Reserves (2-2-1 7 pts.) Monday afternoon at the TOYOTA PARK practice facility. The reserve side will have another chance to take points at home when they face the Chivas USA Reserves on Sunday, June 10 at the TOYOTA PARK practice facility. Kick-off from Bridgeview is set for 10:00 a.m. CT, and fans of the "Men in Red" are encouraged to come out and support the club's future stars, free-of-charge.
Fire - Cracovia on June 22, presented by Illinois Express Phone Cards
Chicago Fire Soccer has announced that Illinois Express Phone Cards will be the presenting sponsor for the Fire's international friendly versus Polish side MKS Cracovia on June 22 at TOYOTA PARK. Kick-off for the Fire's first international match of 2007 from 71st and Harlem is set for 8:00 p.m. CT. The "Pasy", or Stripes of Cracovia have won five league titles all-time. The oldest active club in Poland, Cracovia was founded in 1906. Tickets can be purchased through the TOYOTA PARK box office and other TicketMaster outlets.
Marcelo Salas in Fire Camp
Chilean international legend José Marcelo Salas Melinao accepted an invitation from the Chicago Fire to train with the Major League Soccer club late last week. Salas joined the "Men in Red" for last Thursday's training session and took a physical exam on Friday. Discussions regarding the striker's future with the Fire are ongoing. A left-footed striker, Salas brings a wealth of international experience. Salas spent 11 years with the Chilean National Team, scoring a record 35-goals while earning 65 caps. In the 1998 World Cup, he scored four goals in four games. The 32-year-old Salas split time between Universidad de Chile (1993-96, 2005-06) and River Plate (1996-98), an Argentine First Division club. Nicknamed "El Matador", Salas also spent five years in Italy's Serie A, going to S.S. Lazio (1998-01) for an $18 million transfer fee before landing with Juventus (2001-03).
Fire Premier Earn 2-1 Win Over Cleveland Internationals
The Chicago Fire Premier of the Premier Development League (PDL) are now second (3-1-2 11 pts.) in the Great Lakes Division after defeating the Cleveland Internationals (0-5-0 0 pts.) 2-1 in Cleveland on Friday night. With a 1-0 road victory over the West Michigan Edge on Wednesday, May 23, the Fire Premier notched the club's 100th win overall through regular season, playoff, and U.S. Open Cup contests. The Fire's PDL side will play this Thursday, June 7, against the Fort Wayne Fever at 6:00 p.m. CT at the Loyola University Soccer Complex (6336 N. Hoyne Ave., Chicago, Ill.). The Fire Premier practice in Burr Ridge, near 74th and Wolf Road. For more information on the Chicago Fire Premier, please visit www.chicagofirepremier.com.
Fire Super-20s Meet Kalamazoo Kingdom Super-20s Thursday
The Fire Super-20s return to action Thursday night when they face the traveling Kalamazoo Kingdom Super-20's. Kick-off is slated for 4:00 p.m. CT at the Loyola University Soccer Complex, located at 6336 N. Hoyne Ave., in Chicago. The Chicago Fire Super-20 squad earned a 1-0 win over the Indiana Invaders in the team's first official match in TOYOTA PARK on Sunday, May 27 following the Chicago Fire first team match against Real Salt Lake. The Chicago Fire Super-20 squad practice at the two soccer fields in Burr Ridge near 74th and Wolf Road. For more information about the Fire Super-20, visit www.chicagofirepremier.com.
Segares, Carr on League's Yellow Card Watch List
The Fire has seen its fair share of fouls called both ways as Chicago currently ranks tied for seventh in MLS with New York Red Bulls in fouls committed (125), fifth in fouls suffered (142), while tied for fourth with D.C. United in yellow card cautions (21). Two members of the "Men in Red" are in jeopardy of earning suspensions, as defender Gonzalo Segares currently sits on four yellow cards and another caution Saturday would give the Costa Rican a one-game suspension from the MLS Disciplinary Committee. Fire forward Calen Carr is two cautions away, totaling three yellow card cautions to date for the 2007 campaign.
"Chicago Fire Soccer Weekly" Radio Show - Jeff Curtin
"Chicago Fire Soccer Weekly", a half-hour weekly soccer talk show, will air Tuesday via WXAV 88.3 FM from the campus of Saint Xavier University (SXU), and will run each week throughout the rest of the Fire's 2007 MLS campaign. The show's host, Angelo Bonadonna and guest co-host Kevin Kellam talked about the Fire's current form and the all things "Men in Red". This week's special guest features Fire defender Jeff Curtin, who scored his first career goal Sunday against the Crew. Fans are encouraged to call in each week 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.
Pause on Pause
Fire midfielder Logan Pause has been ruled out of Fire Head Coach Dave Sarachan's line-up for the time being as he tends to a severe concussion injury suffered in last Saturday's practice leading up Columbus game. Pause went up for a header off a corner kick attempt and collided heads with defender Jeff Curtin, resulting in an injury that required five stitches, though he did break any facial bones. Pause could miss two to four weeks of practice, and may wear a protective headgear unit upon his return.
Saturday is Around the World Night at TOYOTA PARK
Saturday night at TOYOTA PARK will be packed with international action both inside and outside the stadium grounds as Chicago Fire Soccer hosts Around the World Night, presented by Federal Life. Gates open for FireFest at 6:00 p.m. CT, located just inside Gate B on the north side of TOYOTA PARK. The first 10,000 fans that enter will receive complimentary logo bangers, courtesy of Federal Life. FireFest will be alive with international flavor, with various food and entertainment highlighting the day's activities. Chicago Samba, the Chicago-based Brazilian musical ensemble, will be performing live, while an Italian Village area will include a live performance from Italian singer Jack Miuccio as well as food items such as pizza, Italian beef, and sausages provided by local establishment Antoine's Pizza.
Fox Soccer Channel Pack Goes Online
Chicago Fire Soccer has announced the Fox Soccer Channel Pack has now gone online! Fans of the "Men in Red" can purchase four Premier Midfield seats at a discounted group rate to see the Fire take on Chivas USA on Saturday, June 9, at 7:30 p.m. CT and receive four Fox Soccer Channel-branded hats! Don't delay, purchase your Fox Soccer Channel 4-Pack now! For more information, please visit: https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/pack_planlist.htmI?l=EN&team=chicagofire&selID=51
Mapp Goes Gold
Fire midfielder Justin Mapp has been selected to the U.S. Men's National Team by head coach Bob Bradley to join the 23-man roster that will seek to defend their 2005 Gold Cup title. Mapp begin the 2007 campaign training with the U.S. squad and registered the game-winning assist in a 2-0 win against the national team of Denmark on Jan. 20, 2007. The 22-year-old Brandon, Miss. native has made four overall appearances with the senior national team, dating back to his first ever appearance for the Red, White, and Blue against Panama on Oct. 12, 2005. Mapp has reported to U.S. training camp in Carson, Calif. and will be eligible for their first match-up on Thursday, June 7, against Guatemala.
Guerrero Goes Gold
Fire midfielder Ivan Guerrero has been tabbed to represent Honduras in the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup from June 6-24. Guerrero has been a constant fixture in the Honduras National Team starting line-up over the past eight years and was last called up for friendlies in late March of 2007. Guerrero has competed in the tournament before, starting in all five of Honduras' games in the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup, leading the country on a surprising run to the tournament's Semifinal round, scoring lone goal for the "Catrachos" on 7/21/05 versus the U.S. in a 2-1 loss.
Telesford Goes Gold Too?
The "Soca Warriors" of Trinidad & Tobago have requested the services of Fire rookie defender Osei Telesford for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup from June 6-24. Telesford played the full 90 minutes in his first four caps for the Trinidad & Tobago Senior National Team in the Caribbean Digicel Cup in January of 2007. He was also capped for Soca Warriors' friendly against Costa Rica on Feb. 4, 2007 and has represented Trinidad & Tobago regularly at the U-20 and U-23 levels. His availability for T&T will hinge on his health status, as the native of San Juan, Trinidad recently picked up a severe groin strain with the Fire.
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
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.
Blanco Watch
Forward Cuauhtémoc Blanco, the Chicago Fire's Designated Player signing, is less than a month away from joining the "Men in Red" on July 1. Blanco finished his playing career with Mexican First Division side Club América in fine form, scoring a goal apiece in the two-game Final series of the Clausura campaign. On Friday, May 25, Blanco scored América's lone goal with an 82nd minute penalty kick in a 2-1 loss at home against Pachuca. On Sunday's May 27 return leg, Blanco struck again off a long-distance freekick in the 68th minute that knotted the aggregate goal tally at 2-2, before Pachuca tied the game at 1-1 with a series-winner in the 82nd minute for a 3-2 Pachuca Final victory. América took 1-0 semifinal wins over Chivas de Guadalajara on May 17 and May 20, with Blanco playing the full 90 minutes of each match. In the first game of a quarterfinal series on May 10, the "Aguilas" tied 3-3 at Atlas' Estadio Jalisco. Blanco notched two goals and an assist in the return leg on May 13 at Estadio Azteca, helping his club hand Atlas a heavy 4-1 defeat for a 7-4 aggregate victory. Overall, the native of Mexico City, Mexico tallied 9 goals and 6 assists through 1,710 minutes of action throughout 2007 Clausura season, his 10 yellow car cautions matching his 2004 Clausura effort. Blaco joins the Fire 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).
Quick Kicks vs. Chivas USA
• Fire defender Jeff Curtin has been fined $250 by the MLS Disciplinary Committee and is suspended for Saturday's game against Chivas USA for his double-yellow ejection Sunday versus the Columbus Crew.
• The Fire leads the regular season series with Chivas USA in goals (7), shots (51), shots on goal (23), and corner kicks (28).
• Defender Dasan Robinson celebrates his 23rd birthday this Wednesday, June 6.
• The "Men in Red" are even with Chivas USA in the overall regular season series with a 2-2-0 mark.
• Sunday's 3-goal outburst ended a stretch of 6 games where the Fire failed to record a multi-goal game. Only once in team history have the Fire had a longer stretch without a 2+ goal game. The Fire went 8 regular season games from June 19, 2004 to July 28, 2004 without a multi-goal game.
• Curtin's goal on Sunday was the first goal scored off a corner kick since forward Chris Rolfe's tally on May 12 at Toronto FC. The last time the Fire scored off a corner before that came on Sept. 9, 2006 courtesy of a C.J. Brown game-winning header at Columbus.
• The Fire allowed 11 goals in May. Only once have they allowed more than 11 goals in a month. In July 1998 they gave up 14 goals across six games played.
• Caution Watch - Chad Barrett (2c), C.J. Brown (2c), Calen Carr (3c), Diego Gutierrez (2c, 1e), Jeff Curtin (2c, 1e) Jim Curtin (2c), Logan Pause (1c), Dasan Robinson (2c), Gonzalo Segares (4c), Thiago (1c).
