Chicago Fire forward Brian McBride will miss approximately three to four months after having right shoulder surgery Friday.
McBride, who scored for the Fire Wednesday in their 2-1 win against New England in the SuperLiga 2009 semifinal, has played in all 16 Fire MLS games this season. He leads the team with six goals and also has one assist this season.
"It is something he has had since the beginning of the year," Fire coach Denis Hamlett said Friday following a short workout at Toyota Park. "He has been a warrior and has been fighting through it."
Hamlett said the surgery was similar to having a knee scoped.
Forward Patrick Nyarko is expected to take McBride's place in the starting lineup Saturday in the Fire's home game against San Jose.
McBride joined the Fire last summer after a long career in the English Premier League. He previously played for the Columbus Crew in MLS.
Kent McDill is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
