
Chicago Fire Take 5-0 Win Over University of Central Florida in Preseason Scrimmage
Published on February 1, 2009 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release
BRADENTON, FLA. (Feb. 1, 2009) - The Chicago Fire kicked off their 2009 campaign with a 5-0 win in a preseason scrimmage against the University of Central Florida (UCF) on Field 1 of the IMG Academies facility in Bradenton, Fla. The Fire played varied lineups in three separate 30-minute intervals.
The Fire opened scoring in the 25th minute with a goal courtesy of Brian McBride. Defender Gonzalo Segares fed a ball to midfielder Justin Mapp, who made a cross from the left corner into the right side of the box. McBride placed a header just inside the left post for the game-winning goal.
The Fire doubled the lead in the 31st minute as Stefan Dimitrov fought through a crowd of UCF players just outside the six-yard box and placed the ball into the back of the net.
Dimitrov tallied the Fire's third goal of the match in the 51st minute. MLS draftee Richard Jata played a through ball from the center of the field to Dimitrov, who chipped a ball over the head of the UCF goalkeeper from 30 yards out for a second goal in the game.
The Fire added two goals in the final four minutes of the match. In the 87th minute Michel Moungue received a cross from Roland Paul Bebey Kingue just off the right post and directed the ball into the goal. In the final minute of the game, defender Dasan Robinson slipped a ball to Idrissa Kone who netted the Fire's fifth and final goal of the match.
The Fire will next face the Kansas City Wizards in a preseason scrimmage on Feb. 4 at the IMG Academies. Kickoff is at 9 a.m. CT.
Major League Soccer Stories from February 1, 2009
- Chicago Fire Take 5-0 Win Over University of Central Florida in Preseason Scrimmage - Chicago Fire FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Chicago Fire FC Stories
- Chicago Fire FC Extends Partnership with Wintrust as Cornerstone and Banking Partner
- Forward Hugo Cuypers and Defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi Named to 2026 MLS All-Star Roster
- Chicago Fire FC Defender Joel Waterman Called up to the Canada Men's National Team for FIFA World Cup 2026
- Chicago Fire FC Midfielder Robin Lod Called up to Finland Men's National Team for International FIFA Window
- Chicago Fire FC Defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi Named to South Africa National Team Roster for FIFA World Cup 2026

