Busy Week On and Off the Pitch For The First Place Fire
May 26, 2009 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release
FIRST PLACE, UNDEFEATED CHICAGO FIRE FACE TWO OPPONENTS THIS WEEK
The Chicago Fire (4-0-6, 18 pts.) will play two matches this week as the team faces Western Conference leader Chivas USA (7-1-3, 24 pts.) this Thursday, May 28, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California before returning to Chicago for a match just three days later against FC Dallas on May 31 at TOYOTA PARK. Last weekend, the Fire defeated the New York Red Bulls 1-0 at Giants Stadium off a MLS Goal of the Week nominated tally from Chris Rolfe. With the win, the Fire extended their undefeated streak to 10 games to start the season, and the three points helped Chicago take sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference. Now a third of the way through the league's 30 game regular season, the Fire is the only team in MLS that remains undefeated and has set a new club record for games unbeaten to begin a season with ten.
With 17 goals scored through 10 matches, the Fire are tied for the league lead in scoring (D.C. United). Forward Brian McBride, who was named MLS Player of the Month for April, is tied with three other players atop the league standings for MLS Golden Boot with six goals and Fire designated player Cuauhtémoc Blanco is also contributing to the Fire's offensive efforts as he has the has recorded five assists.
FIRST PLACE EAST MEETS FIRST PLACE WEST
The Eastern Conference leading Chicago Fire will close out their three game road stand this Thursday with a match against Western Conference leader Chivas USA at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. (9:30 p.m. CT, ESPN2/Deportes). The match is just the 9th all-time regular season meeting between the two clubs and the second of two meetings in 2009. The Fire have a regular season record of 3-4-1 against Chivas, posting a 1-2-0 record when playing in Los Angeles. Last season, the Fire split the series with a road loss on June 19, with Chivas goals courtesy of Sasha Kljestan and Justin Braun, while winning their home contest, with a goal from Patrick Nyarko on August 2. While Chivas has a slight advantage in the all-time series, the two teams are locked at nine goals apiece. The Fire are looking for their first win against Chivas in Los Angeles since July 2, 2005. The Fire have posted a record 3-0-3 while on the road, scoring 12 of their 17 goals away from home.
FIRE SET TO TAKE HOME BRIMSTONE CUP AS CHICAGO FACES FC DALLAS AT TOYOTA PARK SUNDAY
The Fire will finish off their third game in eight days at home against Brimstone Cup rival FC Dallas on May 31 at TOYOTA PARK (2 p.m. CT, My50/TeleFutura). Chicago holds a one game advantage in the season series defeating FC Dallas 3-1 for the season opener on March 21 at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas. While Dallas took an early lead with a goal from Kenny Cooper in the ninth minute, the Fire rallied to equalize late in the first half with a goal from Justin Mapp, before taking the lead in the second half with a game-winner from Brian McBride and an insurance goal from Cuauhtémoc Blanco. The win broke an FC Dallas six game unbeaten streak against the Fire. Last season, Chicago dropped both contests against Dallas, with a 1-0 road loss on June 15 and suffering their worst defeat of the season with a 4-1 loss September 21 at home. The Fire have an all-time regular season record of 11-17-2 against Dallas. The Fire are 1-0-3 when playing at TOYOTA PARK this season.
Tickets are still available for the match by calling 888-MLS-FIRE or visiting the TICKET section of the club's official website, www.chicago-fire.com.
CHICAGO FIRE WEEKLY AGENDA
** Sites/times subject to change. Please call 708.496.6725 or 6726 to confirm training schedule. All times Central.
**Tuesday, May 26 Training at The Home Depot Center - University Field 2, 12:00 a.m. CT
**Wednesday, May 27 Training at The Home Depot Center - University Field 2, 10:30 a.m. CT
**Thursday, May 28 Fire @ Chivas USA-The Home Depot Center-ESPN2/Deportes-9:30 CT
Friday, May 29 OFF
Saturday, May 30 Training at TOYOTA PARK practice field, 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, May 31 Chicago Fire vs. FC Dallas-TOYOTA PARK-My50/Telefutura-2 p.m. CT
Monday, June 1 OFF
**The team is in Los Angeles for training before their match against Chivas USA on Thursday, May 28. Please contact the Fire Communications Department to schedule interviews while the team is on the road.
ROLFE EARNS MLS GOAL OF THE WEEK NOMINATION
Chicago Fire forward Chris Rolfe earned a Major League Soccer Goal of the Week nomination after scoring his third goal of the season this past Sunday against the New York Red Bulls. Rolfe received a pass off the head of midfielder Logan Pause, settled the ball on his chest, and curled a left-footed shot around goalkeeper Jon Conway. Rolfe has scored three goals this season: a game-tying goal on April 11 at San Jose, a game-winning goal at Toronto on May 16, and his MLS Goal of thea Week nominated, game-winning goal at New York. The nomination is the Fire's sixth such nomination this season. Forward Brian McBride won the honor in Week 4 for his goal against San Jose on April 11. Fans can vote for Rolfe's goal by CLICKING HERE.
BLANCO CALLED UP TO MEXICAN NATIONAL TEAM
Chicago Fire midfielder Cuauhtémoc Blanco has been called to the Mexican National Team for World Cup Qualifying matches on June 6th against El Salvador, in San Salvador, and June 10th against Trinidad and Tobago at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Blanco has appeared in World Cup Qualifying matches for each of Mexico's last three World Cups, scoring nine goals. Blanco has also represented Mexico in two of the last three World Cups (1998, 2002) scoring two goals through eight games played. Blanco appeared in three World Cup Qualifiers for Mexico last season against Honduras, Jamaica, and Canada.
"The national team manager is giving me another opportunity, and as I've said before, if I were called up, I'd be there," said Blanco. "Today I'm given the opportunity to again be with the national team, and we have to do things right so the Mexican national team heads to the World Cup."
ROLFE MOVING UP IN THE FIRE STANDINGS
With his game-winning goal last Sunday against New York, Fire forward Chris Rolfe has taken sole possession of second place in the Chicago Fire career goal scoring standings. Former Fire striker Josh Wolff previously held the position with 32 goals scored. Rolfe has achieved his 33 goals in 105 games played through five seasons. Wolff achieved his 32 goals in 83 matches played through five seasons. Holding onto first place in the Fire's career goal scoring records is former forward Ante Razov who recorded 76 goals in 155 games through seven seasons.
CUAUHTEMOC BLANCO IS ASSISTING THE TEAM
Fire designated player Cuauhtémoc Blanco is doing his part to help the Fire attack, assist on five of the Fire's 17 goals through the first 10 matches. Blanco is tied with Santino Quaranta of D.C. United trailing just Brad Davis of Houston who has six.
McBRIDE LEADING THE FIRE AND THE LEAGUE IN GOAL SCORING
MLS Player of the Month for April Brian McBride is leading the Fire in goal scoring so far this season with six goals in 10 matches played. McBride is currently tied with three other players at the top of the league's Golden Boot standings.
FIRE ACADEMY TEAMS ENJOY SUCCESSFUL U.S. SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY SPRING SHOWCASE
The Chicago Fire Academy traveled to Sarasota, Fla. last week to participate in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Spring Showcase. The Showcase kicked off on May 22 and will conclude today, May 26. The Fire Academy Under 18 squad won all three of their games against North Meck 3-0, the New York Red Bulls Academy 4-0, and Cal Odessy 2-1. The Fire under 16 team won two of its matches, against North Meck, 3-0, and Cal Odessey, 4-2, while tying the New York Red Bulls under 16 squad 0-0. The Fire Academy under 16 team maintained its first place position - 'Points Per Game' ranking - in the country. The Academy Showcase events are intended to provide players, coaches and referees with the latest U.S. Soccer resources. In addition to educational seminars and materials provided at the event, U.S. Soccer staff is on hand at all games to provide direct feedback to participants to enhance their educational experience. All 146 teams representing 73 Academy clubs will each played three games over the course of the five days. The Spring Showcase is the second event of the 2008-09 Development Academy season following the Winter Showcase, which was held from Dec. 5-8 in Lancaster, Calif. Academy Playoffs will be held at Bryan Park in Greensboro, N.C. from June 26-29 and Academy Finals Week will be held from July 10-17 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
FIRE TO PARTNER WITH LIFESOURCE FOR BONE MARROW AND BLOOD DRIVE THIS WEEKEND
The Chicago Fire will partner with LifeSource, Chicago's Blood Center, for a bone marrow and blood drive this Saturday, May 30 at TOYOTA PARK. The bone marrow and blood drive will take place from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. inside a TOYOTA PARK locker room, and the first 100 people to register will have an opportunity to attend a Fire practice session and enjoy an exclusive autograph session with Chicago Fire players C.J. Brown, Justin Mapp, Logan Pause, and Bakary Soumare. The marrow drive will benefit the wife of Marcia Williams, wife of former Fire player Andy Williams, who is suffering from Leukemia.
FIRE PARTNER WITH UNITED NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION (UNO)
The Chicago Fire and the United Neighborhood Organization (UNO) announced a partnership to help raise funds for this renowned community organization, which has served the Latino community in Chicago for more than 25 years. Over 3,000 students and teachers from the UNO network of schools will be selling tickets to the Fire's May 31st match up against FC Dallas at TOYOTA PARK with proceeds from the sales benefiting UNO. Tickets may be purchased from UNO Network representatives through May 22. To kick off this community initiative, Fire midfielder Cuauhtémoc Blanco and defender Gonzalo Segares made a surprise appearance to more 650 children from the Rufino Tamayo School, 5135 S. California, which is a UNO Charter School. The players were joined by UNO CEO, Juan Rangel, to kick off the partnership and speak to the importance of living healthy lifestyles and staying in school.
CHICAGO FIRE ANNOUNCE SUPERLIGA COMPETITION DATES AND TEAMS
Major League Soccer and the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol have unveiled the participating teams, venues and schedule for the 2009 edition of SuperLiga. The four participating MLS teams are: Chicago Fire, New England Revolution, Chivas USA and Kansas City Wizards. The four Mexican clubs participating in 2009 are: 2008 playoff contender San Luis, Santos Laguna (led by national team star Oswaldo Sanchez), Tigres UANL (led by Lucas Lobos), and Atlas, the young and exciting club led by former Mexican national team coach Ricardo Lavolpe. The Fire will face San Luis on June 20 (7 p.m. CT), Chivas USA on June 23 (7 p.m. CT) and Tigres UANL on June 27 (7 p.m. CT). The Fire will host a doubleheader for their match on June 23 as San Luis and Tigres UANL face off following the Fire's match (9 p.m.). Tickets for both the single games on June 20 and 27, as well as the doubleheader on June 23, are on sale now through the TOYOTA PARK box office by calling 888-MLS-FIRE, clicking on the TICKETS section of the team's official website, www.chicago-fire.com, or through all Ticketmaster outlets, www.Ticketmaster.com.
The Fire will offer a special Chicago Fire SuperLiga Pack which includes a ticket to all three of the SuperLiga dates at TOYOTA PARK and fans that purchase the Chicago Fire SuperLiga Pack will also receive a free ticket for the Fire versus Chivas USA match on Oct. 22. SuperLiga packages start at just $71 and will be available through the TOYOTA PARK box office, by calling 888-MLS-FIRE or through www.chicago-fire.com.
4-v-4 FUTBOLITO TOURNAMENT COMES TO CHICAGO ON AUGUST 22
MLS Futbolito, the largest touring Hispanic event hosted by a U.S. professional sports league, comes to Chicago on August 22 at Riis Park, 6100 W. Fullerton Ave. The all-day 4-v-4 tournament is open to players of all ages, abilities and affiliations. Team rosters can consist of up to seven players (four field players and three substitutes) and each team will play in round-robin action, with the possibility of advancing to the single-elimination championship playoff. Teams registered for the competition will be divided according to age groups and competitive levels with winners in each division receiving prizes. In addition to the games, each registered player will receive a ticket to an MLS match (in applicable markets), a Futbolito t-shirt, and the chance to win prizes from the presenting sponsors as well as associate sponsors. For more information or to register a team, visit the official website: www.MLSFutbolito.com or call 888-MLS-FUTBOLITO.
MARCO PAPPA IS UNIVISION CHICAGO'S FEATURED PLAYER OF THE MONTH
The Fire and Univision Chicago are partnering to feature a different Chicago Fire player or coach each month as the Univision Chicago Player of the Month. Midfielder Marco Pappa is the Fire Player of the Month for May and will not only be featured each Monday during the Univision 10 o'clock newscast during the "Chicago fire: Conexión Máxima" segment, Pappa will contribute to Univision Radio's Nuevo Dia program on Monday mornings and connect with fans directly through a Live Chat and blog entries on Univsion.com. Head Coach Denis Hamlett was featured during the month of April.
BRIAN MCBRIDE VOTED MLS PLAYER OF THE MONTH FOR APRIL Fire forward Brian McBride was voted MLS Player of the Month for April. McBride notched four goals in four league games during the month, and led the Fire to a 1-0-3 record in April games. The 36-year-old MLS All-Time Best XI forward has made an immediate impact in his first full season with the Chicago Fire. McBride leads the League with five goals and the Chicago Fire sit in second place in the Eastern Conference with 11 points. In the Fire's Week 4 match against the San Jose Earthquakes McBride captured MLS Goal of the Week honors for his 57th minute strike. The following week McBride tallied his third and fourth goals of the season, scoring twice in the opening 20 minutes of the 2-2 draw with the Kansas City Wizards. McBride's header goal in the match earned his second MLS Goal of the Week nomination. McBride capped off the month by leading a stirring comeback against the defending MLS Cup Champions Columbus Crew. Trailing 2-0 in Columbus, McBride ignited the Fire's comeback in the 86th minute finishing a Patrick Nyarko cross with a leaping, driven header into the back of the net. The goal garnered McBride his third consecutive MLS Goal of the Week nomination.
PHISH SUMMER TOUR STOPS AT TOYOTA PARK
On their first summer tour in five years, Phish has announced a concert date at TOYOTA PARK on Tuesday, August 11th. Tickets are on sale now. Reserved and general admission tickets are priced at just $49.50 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets including the TOYOTA PARK ticket offices, Ticketmaster.com and by calling (800) 745-3000.
BUFFETT RETURNS TO TOYOTA PARK
After the success of last summer's two TOYOTA PARK concerts, Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band will return to the stadium again this summer for two more unforgettable concert experiences as part of the "Summerzcool" Tour 2009. The concert dates are set for Saturday, Aug. 8 and Saturday, Aug. 15. The seating setup at the stadium will be similar to last year's concerts, as all seats will be reserved both on the field and in the stadium bowl. Tickets are on sale now through all Ticketmaster outlets including the TOYOTA PARK box office, Tickemaster.com, and by calling (800) 745-3000. For more information visit www.toyotapark.com.
BLANCO'S DIRECTO AL BLANCO' RADIO PROGRAM TUESDAY
"Directo al Blanco" a full-hour live radio program hosted by Fire midfielder Cuauhtémoc Blanco will air this and every 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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