Dear Fire Fans,
First of all, I would like to thank all of our great fans for the support you have provided the team throughout the season. Myself and all the players, coaches and staff are thrilled to have provided the best fans in Major League Soccer with the type of attacking and entertaining soccer we know you want and deserve.
While we are excited about the performance of the team so far this season, we also realize there are critical games ahead. There is much soccer to be played and we have high expectations, as we seek to capture a second MLS Supporters Shield crown, a fourth U.S. Open Cup title and, of course, a second MLS Cup. We believe the best of 2005 is yet to come.
Under the leadership of head coach Dave Sarachan, our team has made significant progress since the start of the season. It has truly been a pleasure to watch young stars like Nate Jaqua, Justin Mapp, Thiago, Chris Rolfe, Gonzalo Segares and Will Johnson come into their own. Each player - and others such as Chad Barrett, Jack Stewart, and Matt Pickens - has shown skill and composure beyond their years.
As the season has unfolded our mix of talented young players and experienced veterans such as Ivan Guerrero, Tony Sanneh, Zach Thornton, Jesse Marsch, Jim Curtin, C.J. Brown and, of course, captain Chris Armas, has truly come together and developed into what I believe is the deepest squad in MLS. This bodes well for the Chicago Fire today, but also for tomorrow.
This summer has seen a number of high profile international exhibition matches at Soldier Field. For Fire fans, the most exciting of all was surely the match between the Fire and A.C. Milan. In a match that I believe will linger long in the memory of all Fire fans, our players competed with poise, character and skill in one of the most entertaining MLS events in history. The scoreline simply does not do justice to our performance, and I could not be more proud of our team that night. In the future, we are committed to scheduling similar high-profile matches for the Fire.
All of our on-field success comes at a time when the Fire is also preparing for its biggest success yet - the team's move to the Bridgeview Stadium site at 71st and Harlem. Construction of the intimate 20,000 seat stadium site is right on schedule, and the progress made over the last couple of months has given everyone a glimpse into how special the stadium will be.
In closing, I could not be more enthusiastic on the present and future of the Fire. There are a number of reasons why I believe Chicago will become the best destination for soccer in America. First, we have the best fans in MLS. No debate. No question. Second, we have a uniquely talented squad of players with tremendous potential. And third, at our new home in Bridgeview, we will have the best soccer environment in America. Put these facts together and this is a great time to be a Chicago Fire fan!
Thank you all for your continued support.
John Guppy
Chicago Fire President/CEO
