MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Weekly Notes – December 2, 2008

Published on December 2, 2008 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


FIRE ROSTER UPDATE

The Chicago Fire roster lost three players last week as midfielder Stephen King was selected by the Seattle Sounders FC in the 2008 MLS Expansion Draft and two forwards, Tomasz Frankowski and Andy Herron, were waived. King played in 20 games, made eight starts, scored two goals and one assists for Chicago during his rookie season. Frankowski signed with the Fire on February 21, 2008 and played in 17 games, made seven starts, scored two goals, both against New England on April 3, and tallied two assists. Herron netted 15 goals and three assists in 61 games played (38 starts) in his four seasons with the Fire. In 2008, Herron played in 18 games, starting in four.

McBRIDE AND EASTER SEALS TEAMED UP MONDAY

Chicago Fire forward Brian McBride joined the Easter Seals for the Sears Tower annual Christmas tree lighting and toy drive on Monday in the lobby of the Sears Tower. A representative from Easter Seals officially "flipped the switch" to light the building's holiday tree, while McBride helped kick off the holiday toy drive. All toys and donations collected throughout the season will benefit Illinois children served by the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation.

CHICAGO FIRE OPEN TRYOUTS TUESDAY

The Chicago Fire will be holding their first ever open tryouts on Tuesday Dec. 2, at The MAX Indoor Soccer Center in McCook, Illinois. The tryout is open to male soccer players ages 18 and older who registered prior to the application deadline of Nov. 20. Members of the Fire first team staff will be on hand at the tryouts. Tryout updates will be available online at www.chicago-fire.com.

GUTIERREZ HONORED AT CHICAGO SPORTS PROFILES BANQUET

Former Fire defender Diego Gutierrez was recognized last night at the Chicago Sports Profiles Banquet, receiving the Chicago Fan Choice Award as the Chicago Fire "Hometown Hero". A player from each Chicago franchise was honored for their excellence in serving the community with the "Hometown Hero" honor. Fire defender Bakary Soumare was nominated as one of Chicago's "Rising Stars" while Fire midfielder Cuauhtémoc Blanco was nominated for Chicago's "Most Valuable Player".

SOUMARE TO JOIN GENERATION ADIDAS FOR OFF SEASON TRIP

For the second consecutive season, Bakary Soumare will travel abroad with the Generation adidas program to train and compete during the off season. Soumare is a member of 16-man squad that will be coached by Frank Yallop of San Jose as they face three English Premier League reserve teams during an eight-day trip. The Generation adidas team will face the West Ham reserves on Monday, Dec. 8, Chelsea's reserves on Wednesday, Dec. 10, and Aston Villa's reserves on Thursday, Dec. 11.

VILLAGE OF BRIDGEVIEW WINTER WONDERLAND AND FIRE MERCHANDISE SALE THIS SUNDAY

The Village of Bridgeview will host their annual Winter Wonderland this Sunday, Dec. 7, from 2:30-7:00 p.m. at TOYOTA PARK. Both Santa Claus and Sparky will be on hand to meet attendees and take photographs. The festivities will begin with Santa's escort parade at 2:30 pm and will continue with Chicago Fire inflatables, ice skating, an ice maze, stadium tours, business vendor tent, marshmallow roasting, and live music. The Chicago Fire will be holding a merchandise sale during the Winter Wonderland event on Sunday. All remaining 2008 merchandise will be on sale for up to 50% off selected items. Fans are encouraged to attend and buy holiday gifts for soccer-enthused family members and friends. Discounted merchandise items include personalized jerseys, which will be made on-site, stuffed animals, soccer balls, fleece pants and more.

BLANCO'S ‘DIRECTO AL BLANCO' RADIO PROGRAM TUESDAY

"Directo al Blanco" a full-hour live radio program hosted by Fire midfielder Cuauhtémoc Blanco and airs Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. CT. Listeners are encouraged to call and talk to Blanco about the latest soccer-related news regarding the Chicago Fire, Major League Soccer, and the Mexican Primera Division. The show airs nationally on RadioCadena stations in Chicago (WRTO-AM), Las Vegas (KLSQ-AM), Los Angeles (KTNQ-AM), San Francisco (KLOK-AM), El Paso (KAMA-AM), San Antonio (KCOR-AM), Dallas (KFLC-AM), McAllen (KGBT-AM), Houston (KLAT-AM), New York (WADO-AM), and Miami (WQBA-AM).

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Major League Soccer Stories from December 2, 2008


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