The Chicago Fire will play in its first international friendly of 2007 when they face MKS Cracovia (Klub Sportowy Cracovia) of the Orange Ekstraklasa (Polish First Divison) on Friday, June 22, at TOYOTA PARK (8:00 p.m. CT). The game will mark the second-ever international friendly against a Polish side for the Fire, and the first friendly at TOYOTA PARK since the club hosted Mexican side Club América on July 12, 2006. Friday's international friendly will broadcast live over the airwaves on Chicagoland radio stations WRTO-AM 1200 (Spanish) and WNVR-AM 1030 (Polish).
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 Friday, 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.
"We expect that the match on the 22nd of June at the TOYOTA PARK played with the Chicago Fire team will attract a large number of spectators, especially those of Polish origin," said Cracovia President/Chairman Janusz Filipiak. "We promise all supporters to play beautiful football for which Cracovia is well known to create a unique ambiance during the match."
Fire History vs. MKS Cracovia
Friday's friendly at TOYOTA PARK will mark the first-ever meeting between the Chicago Fire and MKS Cracovia. In fact, the exhibition will mark the "Stripes" first official match against a Major League Soccer side since the formation of the top-flight American league in 1996.
Getting-To-Know: MKS Cracovia
MKS Cracovia is coming off a 2007 campaign that saw the club finish fourth overall in the Orange Ekstraklasa (Polish First Divison) behind the 2007 champion - Zaglebie Lubin - GKS Belchatow and Legia Warszawa. Cracovia has seen a resurgence in form the past few years, far removed from the up-and-down, promotion/relegation days when the club dwelled in the second and third divisions through the 70s, 80s, and 90s. The club won eventual first division promotion in 2004, finishing the ensuing 2004-05 campaign in fifth place. The "Pasy," or Stripes have won five league titles all-time. The oldest active club in Poland, Cracovia was founded in 1906 and plays at Stadion Cracovii in Kraków.
Fire Have Been Friendly Hosts in Previous Exhibitions
Friday's Fire-Cracovia showdown will be the ninth official exhibition contest the Fire has played against international competition - all of which have been hosted by Chicago. The "Men in Red" will be looking to improve upon their 4-3-1 mark in international friendlies at home. The Fire are 10-6-2 all-time against international competition, taking on teams from eight different countries. In the Fire's only other contest against a Polish team in 1999, they defeated Legia-Daewoo Warsaw 3-2 at Soldier Field. Chicago last faced European competition in a high-profile friendly against Italian powerhouse and then-UEFA Champions League runner-up A.C. Milan on July 27, 2005 at Soldier Field. Chicago held its ground through 75 minutes at 1-1, as forward Chris Rolfe countered with a goal from the top of the area just one minute after legendary Italian defender Paolo Maldini put Milan up in the 21st minute. But two late goals from the Italian side would give the visitors a 3-1 scoreline that was not indicative of the match itself.
Chicago Fire History in International Friendlies
July 15, 1998: Fire 1 - 0 U.N.A.M. (Pumas) (MEX)
June 16, 1999: Fire 3 - 2 Legia-Daewoo Warsaw (POL)
July 20, 1999: Fire 1 - 0 Derby County (ENG)
May 10, 2000: Fire 3 - 3 Toluca (MEX)
May 29, 2000: Fire 5 - 1 Hamburg SV (GER)
July 13, 2000: Fire 0 - 1 Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas) (MEX)
July 27, 2005: Fire 1 - 3 A.C. Milan (ITA)
July 12, 2006: Fire 1 - 2 Club América (MEX)
June 22, 2007: Fire - MKS Cracovia (POL)
July 22, 2007: Fire - Celtic FC (SCT)
Tickets for Fire - Cracovia Available
Tickets for the Chicago Fire - Cracovia game can still be purchased through the TOYOTA PARK box office and other Ticketmaster outlets. A special two-game package is currently available, which includes tickets to both the Chicago Fire - MKS Cracovia Krakow game on June 22 and the Chicago Fire - Columbus Crew match-up on August 4, slated for a "Polish Night" celebration at TOYOTA PARK. For more ticket information, call 1-888-MLS-FIRE or visit www.chicago-fire.com.
MKS Cracovia Visit U.S. Consulate in Kraków, Poland
MKS Cracovia visited the U.S. Consulate General in Kraków, Poland on Friday, June 1, in preparation for the team's trip to the United States. Members of the team, staff, and media were on hand as they solidified paperwork for travel visas as a group for the U.S. departure. Cracovia were greeted by the U.S. Consulate staff and team members offered a gift of the team flag and jersey to the workers.
Monteiro Nets First MLS Career Goal
Chicago Fire rookie forward Jerson Monteiro made personal history this past Saturday, as the University of Alabama-Birmingham scored the lone goal in the Fire's 3-1 loss to D.C. United at RFK Stadium. The 2007 MLS SuperDraft first round selection made the most of his minutes as he came off the bench to relieve midfielder Floyd Franks at halftime. Monteiro placed the ball past United goalkeeper Troy Perkins in the 54th minute to give the Fire some consolation after falling behind by three goals. The native of Luanda, Angola, has played four games off the bench for the "Men in Red" this season, for a total of 87 minutes played.
"I thought Jerson was very good for us. The goal was an obvious [benefit], but the work he did holding up balls, trying to keep possession for us was excellent," said Fire head coach Dave Sarachan after the game. "And I was pleasantly surprised about that, not that I was shocked that he could do it, but coming in at that point is not easy. His composure to make good decisions was very good - and obviously getting his first goal was a boost for everybody."
Blanco Selected to Hispanic Magazine's "50 Best Latino Athletes" List
Cuauhtémoc Blanco, the Chicago Fire's Designated Player signing, has been selected to the Hispanic Magazine "50 Best Latino Athletes" annual list as a member of the "Men in Red", alongside five other current MLS players. The Mexican National Team player is joined by MLS stars Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Jaime Moreno (DC United), Claudio Reyna (New York Red Bulls), Carlos Ruiz (FC Dallas), and Claudio Suarez (Chivas USA). Current U.S. Men's National Team member Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC) was also selected, a former Fire defender from 2000-03.
"Chicago Fire Soccer Weekly" Radio Show - Jerson Monteiro
"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, June 19, at 6:00 p.m. CT, and each week throughout the rest of the Fire's 2007 MLS campaign. The show's host, Angelo Bonadonna and co-host Kevin Kellam will talk with Fire rookie forward Jerson Monteiro, who scored his first MLS career goal in last Saturday's game at D.C. United. 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 www.wxav.com or www.chicago-fire.com.
Fire Forward Breakdown:
Barrett, Chad - 3G/1A - 959 minutes - 12 games/11 starts (Scored game-winner in 3-2 win vs. CLB on June 3)
Carr, Calen - 1G/0A - 532 minutes - 10 games/5 starts (Last scored in 2-1 loss vs. DAL on May 17)
Monteiro, Jerson - 1G/0A - 87 minutes - 4 games/0 starts (Scored first MLS career goal in 3-1 loss on June 16 @ DC)
Rolfe, Chris - 4G/3A - 495 minutes - 6 games/6 starts (Has missed last six games due to ankle injury)
Franks/Russolillo Make First MLS Career Starts
Two members of the "Men in Red" made their first career starts last Saturday in the nation's capital against D.C. United. Second year midfielder Floyd Franks got his first career senior start in just his second appearance through the Fire's 2007 campaign, notching 45 minutes of action before being relieved by rookie forward Jerson Monteiro at halftime. Franks has played 11 games for 217 minutes through his two-year career. Fire sophomore defender Jordan Russolillo also got his first-ever starting squad nod, playing the first 45 minutes before being relieved at halftime by midfielder Willian Oliveira. Russolillo, a native of Middletown, Conn., did not see first team action in his 2006 rookie campaign but has now played two games in 2007 for a total of 46 minutes of first team play.
Guerrero Sees Gold Cup Action Versus Guadeloupe
Fire midfielder Ivan Guerrero made his first appearance for Honduras in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup, coming on as a second half substitute for 45 minutes of action in the "Catrachos" 2-1 upset loss to Guadeloupe on Sunday, June 17 in Houston, Texas. As a result, Honduras did not advance to the semifinal round of play. 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 the lone goal on July 21, 2005 versus the U.S. in a 2-1 loss.
Mapp Available for U.S. - Canada Game Thursday
Fire midfielder Justin Mapp will be available to play for the U.S. Men's National Team squad for their 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal match-up on Thursday, June 21, against Canada (6:00 p.m. CT, Fox Soccer Channel and Galavision) at Soldier Field, in Chicago. Mapp accepted the call to play for the U.S. on June 9, registering an assist on Brian Ching's 29th minute goal in a 2-0 win in the CONCACAF Gold Cup group play contest versus Trinidad & Tobago. The helper marked the Mississippi native's second international assist with the "Red, White, and Blue". Mapp was selected to the U.S. Men's National Team by head coach Bob Bradley on May 24, joining the 23-man roster that is seeking to defend their 2005 Gold Cup title. Mapp began the 2007 campaign training with the U.S. squad and registered the game-winning assist in a 2-0 win against Denmark on Jan. 20. The 22-year-old Brandon, Miss. native has made five overall appearances with the senior national team, dating back to his first ever appearance for the U.S. against Panama on Oct. 12, 2005.
Around the Town
Chicago Fire fans can catch their favorite members of the "Men in Red" as they make public appearances throughout Chicagoland this week. Fire defender Gonzalo Segares will be on hand at the 2007 Gold Cup Kickoff Party on Wednesday, June 20, at Crobar, located at 1512 N. Freemont in Chicago from 7:30-9:00 p.m. CT. Appearing for a Fire informational meeting on Wednesday will be rookie defender Jordan Russolillo at Charm Café & Pub, located in Chicago at 4630 W. Lawrence Ave. from 7:00-8:30 p.m. CT. Fire rookie defender Osei Telesford will be available to Fire fans on Saturday, June 23, at the Park Center 3 vs. 3 Soccer Tournament, at 2400 Chesnut Ave., in Glenview, Ill. from 10:00-11:30 a.m. CT.
Fire Premier to Christen New Fire Juniors Elite Training Center
The Chicago Fire Premier (5-2-3 18 pts.) is set to take on the St. Louis Lions Thursday, June 21, at 6:00 p.m. CT for the Grand Opening of the new Chicago Fire Juniors Elite Training Center located in Minooka, Ill. at Grove Road and Chicago Road. The game will be the Premier's lone match against the Lions, of the PDL Heartland Division, during the 2007 season and can help the Chicago side leapfrog over the Michigan Bucks to the top of the Great Lakes Division. Admission to the game will be $3 per person and parking will be free. Admission is free for any youth soccer players from the Chicago Fire Juniors program or Naperville Lightning who attend in their club uniforms. Bleacher seating will not be available, so attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Concessions will be sold at the complex.
Directions: Take I-55 to US-52 exit (Exit 253). Go West on US-52 8.5 miles to Grove Road. Go North (right) on Grove Road 2.2 miles to Chicago Road. Turn right on Chicago Road and the field entrance will be on the right side.
Fire Super-20s Grab Wins Over Chicago Magic, Indiana Invaders
The Fire Super-20s (3-0-1 10 pts.) needed just a 55th minute goal from Braden Fleak (Wright State), assisted by Jason Vanderveen (Wheaton College), to beat Chicagoland rival Chicago Magic 1-0 on Sunday, June 17, at Sports Club in Frankfort, Ill. The Super-20s doubled their pleasure courtesy of tallies from Eric Gehring (Loyola University - Chicago) and Keith Simpson (VMI) for a 2-0 victory over the Indiana Invaders Super-20s on Saturday, June 16, in South Bend, Ind. at the Indiana Invaders Soccer Complex. The Chicago Fire Super-20 squad earned a 1-0 win over the 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 Fire Super-20s currently sit atop the Midwest U20B Division. The Super-20s practice at the soccer fields located at Moraine Valley Community College, along with the Fire Premier. For more information about the Fire Super-20, visit www.chicagofirepremier.com.
Blanco Watch
Cuauhtémoc Blanco, the Chicago Fire's Designated Player signing, returned from a one-game suspension to come off the bench in the 76th minute of Sunday's quarterfinal 1-0 Mexico win over Costa Rica in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup. As a result the fiery attacker will be available to play for his country in this Thursday's Mexico - Guadeloupe semifinal tilt at Soldier Field (9:00 p.m. CT, TeleFutura). Blanco converted a penalty kick goal in the 29th minute for Mexico's lone tally before being sent off in the 49th minute in a 2-1 loss in group play to Honduras in Giants Stadium on June 10. The 34-year-old attacker has been with the Mexican National Team after closing out his career with Mexican First Division side, Club América. Overall, the native of Mexico City, Mexico tallied seven goals and six assists through 1,530 minutes of action for the "Águilas" in the 2007 Clausura regular season. Blanco will become an official member of the "Men in Red" 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).
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.
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.
Quick Kicks vs. Cracovia
• The Fire are 10-6-2 all-time against international competition, taking on teams from eight different countries.
• MKS Cracovia have played on U.S. soil as recently as 2004, when they faced the now-defunct Jersey Falcons Soccer Club (Jersey City, N.J.)
• In the Fire's only other contest against a Polish team in 1999, they defeated Legia-Daewoo Warsaw 3-2 at Soldier Field.
• Fire defender Jim Curtin celebrates his 27th birthday on Saturday, June 23.
