While the Chicago Fire has the week off from League play, there will be no All-Star break for the "Men in Red," as the side continues to work away in preparation for Wednesday's high-profile friendly contest against Italian superclub A.C. Milan. The Fire-Milan match, part of the four-game 2005 World Series of Football, Presented by Samsung Mobile, will take place at Soldier Field this Wednesday, July 27 at 8:00 p.m. CT (live on GolTV). Milan has been joined in Chicago by a familiar face, defender Paolo Maldini, and the club's newest acquisition, forward Alberto Gilardino, both of whom missed the team's first contest of the U.S. tour, a 1-0 defeat to reigning English Premiership champions Chelsea FC on Sunday in Foxboro, MA.
Fire season ticket holders can use Ticket "A" in their season packages, but Flex Plan holders are reminded that vouchers cannot be redeemed for Wednesday's contest. Members of the media and season ticket holders are reminded to use Parking Pass "A" for the match on Wednesday. Tickets are still available in all price ranges - $30, $40, $50, $60 and $75 - and can be purchased via TicketMaster by visiting www.TicketMaster.com
or calling 312-559-1212. Fans may also purchase tickets on the day of the game at the Fire's Soldier Field Box Office beginning at 10:00 a.m. CT. Discounted ticket rates for groups of 15 or more will be available through Tuesday afternoon by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE.
Fire and A.C. Milan to Hold Practice Sessions Tuesday at Soldier Field.
The Chicago Fire and A.C. Milan will conduct training sessions at Soldier Field on Tuesday, July 26 in preparation for their World Series of Football match-up the following evening. The Fire will take to the field first for an hour-long practice from 4:30-5:30 p.m. CT, a session that will be closed to the public but open to members of the media. The gates will then open up to the public for the Italian squad's practice on the Soldier Field turf from 6:00-7:00 p.m. CT, with a 30 minute meet-and-greet session for fans to follow shortly afterwards. Tickets to Tuesday's A.C. Milan practice session are still available for $15 and can be purchased at the Fire's Soldier Field Box Office beginning at 10:00 am. CT on Tuesday. Parking will be available at the Waldron Deck, located just south of Soldier Field, for $7 per car.
Chicago Fire AthletiCo Injury Report
Capano, Craig - L torn ACL surgery - Out
Griffin, Leonard - abdominal strain - Out
Jaqua, Nate - L ankle bone bruise - Out
Pickens, Matt - R groin strain - Out
Segares, Gonzalo - L ankle sprain - Questionable
Thorrington, John - L hamstring strain - Out
Fire's Chris Armas Helps U.S. Capture Third CONCACAF Gold Cup Title
Fire captain and midfielder Chris Armas played all 120 minutes of regulation and overtime for the United States National Team on Sunday, helping the squad capture its third CONCACAF Gold Cup title via a 3-1 win in penalty kicks over Panama after both teams dueled to a 0-0 draw. While Armas saw his spot kick saved in the second round of PK's, the Fire captain did more than his share to help the "Red, White & Blue" reach that point, playing in all six games during the regional championship, including four starts. Armas, who has racked up 63 caps and two goals since making his U.S. National Team debut in 1998, will be available for the Fire's international friendly against A.C. Milan this Wednesday at Soldier Field. His U.S. and Fire teammate, D/M Tony Sanneh (43 caps, 3 goals), has also returned to the "Men in Red," but his status for the match in uncertain as he continues to recover from a sprained right ankle he suffered while with the U.S. in Gold Cup play.
Chicago Fire Juniors to Hold Supplemental Tryouts Tuesday in Wheaton
The Chicago Fire Juniors invites youth soccer players not currently registered for a club to attend its supplemental tryout on Tuesday, July 26 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. CT at Seven Gables Park, located at Roosevelt and Butterfield Roads in Wheaton, IL. The tryouts will be held on fields A & B for the club's Girls U8-U19 and Boys U8-U14 squads. For more information on Tuesday's tryouts, please contact Fire Juniors Staff Coach and Youth Coordinator Vince Kalke via email at vkalke@chicagofirejuniors.com or by phone at 312-388-7766. More information can also be found by visiting the club's website at www.chicagofirejuniors.com
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