Spring Training Update: Fire Looking for First Win of Guadalajara Trip; MLS Roster Compliance Date Falls Wednesday
The Chicago Fire remains in search of a first win during the Guadalajara leg of its 2006 preseason schedule following a loss to CD Guadalajara (Chivas) and a draw against a Guadalajara All-Star squad last week. The Fire, who currently holds a record of 4-1-2 in preseason play, will face some tough competition in search of that elusive "W" this week, when the MLS squad will face off against Mexican First Division clubs U.A.G. (Tecos) and Atlas in exhibitions on Tuesday, Feb. 28 and Thursday, Mar. 2, respectively. The day between the scrimmages will be a big one as well, as Wednesday, Mar. 1 marks the compliance date on which all 12 MLS teams must have their rosters down to their 28-man maximum. The Fire will return to Chicago following Thursday's clash against Atlas for a weekend break before kicking off the third portion of its preseason schedule next Monday, Mar. 6 in Southern California.
2006 Chicago Fire Preseason Schedule
| Date(s) | Event | Location | Result/Time | Record |
| Feb. 7 | Exhibition vs. U.S. U-17 national team | IMG Academy | W 4-0 | 1-0-0 |
| Feb. 11 | Exhibition vs. USASA Select Team | IMG Academy | W 2-0 | 2-0-0 |
| Feb. 11 | Exhibition vs. Central Florida University | IMG Academy | T 1-1 | 2-0-1 |
| Feb. 13 | Exhibition vs. Trinidad & Tobago U-21 national team | IMG Academy | W 1-0 | 3-0-1 |
| Feb. 16 | Exhibition vs. Columbus Crew | IMG Academy | W 3-1 | 4-0-1 |
| Feb. 23 | CD Guadalajara | Verde Valle Training Center - Zapopan, Mexico | L 0-4 | 4-1-1 |
| Feb. 25 | Guadalajara All-Stars | Universidad de Guadalajara - Guadalajara, Mexico | T 0-0 | 4-1-2 |
| Feb. 28 | Exhibition vs. Tecos | Sayula, Mexico | 11 a.m. CT | |
| Mar. 2 | Exhibition vs. Atlas | Atlas Colomos - Guadalajara, Mexico | TBD | |
| Mar. 8 | Exhibition vs. MetroStars | The Home Depot Center | TBD | |
| Mar. 11: | Exhibition vs. Chivas USA | The Home Depot Center | TBD | |
| Mar. 13: | Exhibition Match | TBD | TBD | |
| Mar. 15: | Exhibition Match | TBD | TBD |
Canada Calls on Forward Will Johnson for Wednesday's Friendly at Austria
Fire forward Will Johnson's recent busy schedule with the Canadian Soccer Association continues this week, as the 19-year-old striker has again been called upon by Canada Head Coach Frank Yallop to compete for the nation's senior team. Johnson and the rest of the "Maple Leafs" have arrived in Europe in preparation for Canada's international friendly against Austria this Wednesday, Mar. 1 at Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, Austria (8:30 p.m. local, 1:30 p.m. CT). Johnson, a native of suburban Woodridge, IL, will be looking for his third career appearance for the full Canadian squad after representing the country at both the senior and Under-20 levels in January.
Take a Late Lunch at Watra and Maxum Bar & Grill for Wednesday's USA-Poland Friendly
Need some extra incentive to get out of the office and watch this Wednesday's international friendly between the United States and Poland in Germany? Whether you'll be yelling for the Red, White & Blue or the Red & White, you can join members of the Fire's front office for the game at a pair of establishments on Chicago's southwest side - Watra (4758 S. Pulaski Rd. in Chicago) and Maxum Bar & Grill (10S 626 Kingery Highway in Hinsdale). Kick-off for the contest is 1:00 p.m. CT, but representatives from the Fire will be on hand for pre-game festivities at Watra and during halftime at Maxum with giveaways for fans, who can also sign up to win a new 2006 adidas Fire Jersey and tickets for the Fire's first season at Bridgeview Stadium. For more information on Wednesday's viewing parties, please contact Matt Czaja in the Fire offices at 312-705-7252.
Tickets for Mar. 29 Mexico-Paraguay Friendly On Sale Now; Make it Twice as Nice With Fire's Two-Game Pack
The Chicago Fire and Soccer United Marketing (SUM) have announced that tickets are now on sale for the upcoming Mexico vs. Paraguay international friendly that will take place on Wednesday, Mar. 29 at 8:00 p.m. CT at Solider Field. Tickets for the match between the two 2006 FIFA World Cup contenders can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 312-559-1212 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased by visiting the Fire offices at 980 N. Michigan, Suite 1998 in Chicago, Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT or by visiting www.Chicago-Fire.com. Tickets for the friendly are available for $25, $35, $50 and $60.
In an effort to celebrate the pre-World Cup match between the two Latin American countries, the Fire has introduced a special two-game package that includes tickets to the Mar. 29 friendly as well as a regular season Fire game during the club's inaugural season in Bridgeview. For information on the Fire's two-game package, available now, please call 1-888-MLS-FIRE.
What's Your Priority (Number)? Buy a Fire Full- or Half-Season Ticket Plan Now to Make Our List
The seat selection process for all sections at Bridgeview Stadium for current Fire Full Season and Half Season ticket holders is now underway. Fans can stake their spot on the Fire's growing seat priority list by acquiring a season ticket package for the team's first season at Bridgeview Stadium. Season ticket packages are available now and can be purchased by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE or by visiting www.Chicago-Fire.com. Fans can scout out which seats they would like by checking out the Bridgeview seating chart in the Ticket section at www.Chicago-Fire.com.
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