CHICAGO, IL - The Chicago Fire today announced the signing of Costa Rican international Andy Herron as a Discovery Player. Herron arrives on loan from his Costa Rican team Club Sport Herediano, and the Fire will have the option of signing the forward on a permanent transfer. In order to sign Herron, the Fire executed a trade with the Dallas Burn, acquiring the Burn's Discovery Option in return for the Fire's 2005 natural third round selection. Herron will occupy the Fire's third and final Senior International spot.
Herron was a member of Club Sport Herediano from 2002-2004, helping the team to Costa Rica's Torneo Clausura title in 2004 while also leading the league in scoring with 12 goals and 13 assists.
"We're very excited to add Andy to our roster," said Fire Head Coach Dave Sarachan. "He's a young, up and coming striker that we've had an eye on for quite a while as he's been an important part of the Costa Rican National Team. He's been a valuable striker at a high-level and we think that he can come in and help us immediately."
Herron will arrive in Chicago as one of Costa Rica's youngest and brightest players on the international stage. He has scored four goals in 12 appearances with the senior squad. Earlier this month, the 5'9", 155 lbs. striker was impressive during a World Cup Qualifying match against Honduras, scoring both of Costa Rica's goals in a 5-2 loss on Aug. 18 at Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium in Alajuela, Costa Rica. The Puerto Limon native also scored the game-winning goal for the "Ticos" in a 2-1 win over Chile on July 14, as Costa Rica claimed the final quarterfinal spot at the prestigious Copa America tournament in Peru.
"Andy is a talented young player who has had considerable success on a club and national team basis," said Fire GM Peter Wilt. "He will provide another good option up front for the team."
A member of Costa Rica's Under-23 National Team from 1999 to 2000, Herron scored 11 goals in eight games with the squad during Olympic Qualifying in 2000 (Sydney).
Herron is expected to join the Fire following Costa Rica's World Cup Qualifying matches against Guatemala and Canada on Sept. 4 and Sept. 8, respectively, after which time he will be available for selection by Fire Head Coach Dave Sarachan, pending medical and visa approval and receipt of his international transfer certificate from Club Sport Herediano.
The Fire's two other senior international spots are currently occupied by Jamaican midfielder Andy Williams and Botswana forward Dipsy Selolwane.
TRANSACTION: CHICAGO FIRE SIGNS COSTA RICAN FORWARD ANDY HERRON.
