Midfielders Dilly Duka and Victor Pineda are on their way to Spain to train with La Liga club Atlético Madrid, the Chicago Fire announced on Tuesday.
Duka and Pineda will train with the UEFA Champions League participants and Fire affiliates beginning Wednesday, lasting through Dec. 6, according to club officials.
“This is a great opportunity for Dilly and Victor to train with a world-class club,” Chicago head coach Frank Yallop said in a statement. “This will allow them to continue to develop as we gear up for the 2014 season. ... We’re fortunate to offer this option to our players.”
Duka, 24 (above), joined the Fire from the Columbus Crew in February. In 31 games (24 starts), the four-year veteran scored four goals and dished out three assists.
Pineda, a 20-year-old Homegrown signing, has been with the Fire for four years, playing an increasing role with the reserves the past two seasons. He was a member of the US Under-20 national team at this past summer's U-20 World Cup in Turkey in 2013.
Since 2011, the Fire and Atlético Madrid have shared an alliance that also includes clubs from five continents, including Mexico's Club América and Brazil's Sport Club Internacional. Previously, Atlético have taken Jalil Anibaba, Austin Berry and Corben Bone on training stints.
