Fire Says Hello to a Welcome Bye Week
They say there's no rest for the weary, but the Chicago Fire (0-1-2, 2 pts.) will be quick to counter that statement, as the "Men in Red" will enjoy a rare week off from its regular season schedule. The Fire will not be on vacation, however, as the squad plans on conducting a full week of training, with Tuesday-Thursday sessions being held at its Lake Forest College training facility before coming downtown to Flames Field on the campus of the University of Illinois - Chicago for a scrimmage against UIC on Friday (the complete Fire training schedule is listed below). The Fire will be enjoying its longest stay in Chicago since reconvening for preseason at the beginning of February, giving the squad a chance to recharge its batteries after finishing the first third of its season-starting nine-game road trip last Saturday in Columbus. The Fire will return to action on Sunday, Apr. 30 when it faces the New England Revolution (1-1-1, 4 pts.) at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA at 2:00 p.m. CT. The match will be the two rivals' first meeting since New England defeated the Fire 1-0 in last November's Eastern Conference Championship.
Fire Rewind: Controversial Call Results in 1-1 Draw at Columbus
While drawing on the road is rarely seen as a disappointing result, the Fire departed central Ohio on Saturday thinking of what could have been after dueling to a 1-1 draw with the Columbus Crew in front of 20,818 fans at Crew Stadium. Fire forward Chris Rolfe continued his torrid play in his home state, the Kettering, OH native scoring his second goal of 2006 - and his fourth goal in three career games at Crew Stadium - in the 49th minute on a play set up by a 50-yard run by fellow forward Chad Barrett, giving the "Men in Red" a 1-0 lead. The lead would be short-lived though, as referee Erich Simmons whistled Fire defender Jim Curtin for a questionable foul inside the penalty area on Crew forward Kei Kamara in the 54th minute, setting up a spot kick conversion a minute later by Crew forward Sebastian Rozental, bringing the match to its eventual 1-1 finish.
Chicago Fire/Performance PT "Recovery Room"
Jaqua, Nate - L shoulder - Out
Fire, Bridgeview to Host Job Fair at Bridgeview Stadium on Apr. 19 & 21
In preparation for the Chicago Fire's Inaugural Season at its world-class home in Bridgeview, the Fire and Bridgeview Stadium will be hosting a two-day Job Fair this Wednesday, Apr. 19 and Friday, Apr. 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Argo High School Fieldhouse, 7329 W. 63rd Street in Summit, IL. The Fire, Bridgeview Stadium and all stadium service providers will be hiring staff at the event. The Fire will open the $95 million stadium with its Grand Opening match on June 25 against the New York Red Bulls (6:00 p.m., CSN).
Chicago Fire Business Alliance to Host "Business to Business Cocktail Reception" Thursday at Mama Luigi's Restaurant
Chicago Fire Soccer has announced the club's corporate business organization, the Chicago Fire Business Alliance, will hold its first event of the 2006 calendar year this Thursday, Apr. 20 with the "Business to Business Cocktail Reception" at Mama Luigi's Restaurant, located at 7500 S. Harlem Ave. in Bridgeview, IL. Fire President/CEO John Guppy and Jay Cooper, Vice President of Midwest Operations, AEG Facilities, are scheduled to attend the reception to speak to the CFBA constituency of the available business opportunities with both the Fire and Bridgeview Stadium, the team's new, 20,000-seat multipurpose stadium at the corner of 71st and Harlem in Bridgeview. Current members of the CFBA can attend the event free of charge, while non-members will be charged $15 for admittance. Those who are interested in attending this business networking opportunity, which will feature complimentary drinks and appetizers, should RSVP to Fire Corporate Account Manager Meghan McMaster at 312-705-7242 or at mmcmaster@chicago-fire.com by Thursday, Apr. 20 at 12:00 p.m. CT. For more information on the Chicago Fire Business Alliance, please visit the "Tickets" section of www.Chicago-Fire.com and click on the "Fire Business Alliance" link.
Fire and FireWorks for Kids Foundation Team Up With National Sports Center for the Disabled to Host Soccer Clinic
Chicago Fire Soccer, the FireWorks for Kids Foundation and the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) will join together to conduct a free soccer clinic for children and youth with disabilities at the Foster Avenue Soccer Fields (5200 N. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago) this Saturday, Apr. 22 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. CT. As part of the popular NSCD AbilityCAMP program, this free interactive clinic will give children ages 6-18 with disabilities, either physical or developmental, the opportunity to experience first hand the fun the sport of soccer can provide. The AbilityCAMP will include instruction and skill development, use of equipment, games, prizes and snacks, in addition to an appearance by the Chicago Fire mascot. Individuals and groups are welcome to attend. For more information on the event, including how to register, please visit www.ncsd.org or contact Gaven Attwood at 303-293-5317.
Chicago Fire Juniors-West Michigan Fall to Tough Competition in Dallas Cup
Chicago Fire Soccer would like to recognize the Chicago Fire Juniors - West Michigan Under-14 Boys team, coached by Ian McMahon, that competed in the prestigious Dallas Cup tournament last week. The CFJ-WM U-14's began play with an encouraging result, drawing Mexican powerhouse and eventual group leader UNAM Pumas 0-0 last Monday. The Fire Juniors would bow out of the tournament after failing to overcome a pair of tough domestic squads, losing 3-1 to Reston (VA) FC on Tuesday and FC Portland (OR) Blue 4-1 the following day.
Chicago Fire Juniors Tryout Schedule for 2006-2007 Season Announced
Entering its fourth season of competition, the Chicago Fire Juniors have announced the upcoming tryout schedule for all age groups to be held in early June. For a complete tryout schedule, please visit the CFJ website at www.chicagofirejuniors.com.
What's Your Priority (Number)? Buy a Fire Full- or Half-Season Ticket Plan Now to Make Our Lisy
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.
Etc.
