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Chicago Fire Continue Preseason Against Two MLS Foes this Week in California

February 13, 2012 - Major League Soccer (MLS) Chicago Fire

The Chicago Fire began the team's 11-day, preseason phase two stay in Ventura, Calif., last Wednesday, kicking off the team's match schedule on the west coast with a 1-0 victory over Chivas USA Saturday afternoon in Oxnard, Calif.

Head coach Frank Klopas has used the team's initial preseason games to evaluate the status of signed first team players as well as to take a look at the team's draftees and invited trialists as he looks to finalize his 28-man roster for the team's opening match, Saturday, March 17 at Montreal.

The team continues its preparations for their 15th MLS campaign this week with matches against the Portland Timbers (February 15) and San Jose Earthquakes (February 18). Chicago-Fire.com will have periodic updates via @ChiFireMatch on Twitter.

Following the 11-day stay in California, the team will return to Chicago for two days before departing for the Carolina Challenge Cup in Charleston, S.C. on February 21.

See below the club's full 2012 preseason schedule.

January 20-February 3: First Team trains in Ave Maria, Fla.

GAMES:

Sunday, January 29 - Chicago Fire 0, D.C. United 0 - Florida Gulf Coast University - Ft. Myers, Fla.

Wednesday, February 1 - Chicago Fire 3, Florida Gulf Coast University 0 - North Park - Ave Maria, Fla.

February 3-5: First Team trains in New Orleans, La.

GAMES:

Saturday, February 4 - Chicago Fire 3, Real C.D. Espana (HON) 1 - Tad Gormley Stadium - New Orleans, La.

February 5: First Team returns to Chicago

February 8-18: First Team trains in Oxnard, Calif.

GAMES:

Saturday, February 11 - Chicago Fire 1, Chivas USA 0 - Oxnard College - Oxnard, Calif.

Wednesday, February 15 - Chicago Fire vs. Portland Timbers - 1:00 p.m. CT - The Home Depot Center - Carson, Calif.

Saturday, February 18 - Chicago Fire vs. San Jose Earthquakes - 11:00 a.m. CT - Ventura, Calif.

February 18: First Team returns to Chicago

February 21- March 4: First Team trains in Charleston, S.C. as part of 2012 Carolina Challenge Cup

GAMES:

Saturday, February 25 - Chicago Fire vs. DC United - 4:00 p.m. CT - Blackbaud Stadium - Charleston, S.C.

Wednesday, February 29 - Chicago Fire vs. Columbus Crew - 4:00 p.m. CT - Blackbaud Stadium - Charleston, S.C.

Saturday, March 3 - Chicago Fire vs. Charleston Battery (USL) - 6:15 p.m. CT - Blackbaud Stadium - Charleston, S.C.

March 4: First Team returns to Chicago

FIRE USE PALADINI'S 49th MINUTE STRIKE TO DOWN CHIVAS USA 1-0 SATURDAY

The Chicago Fire used midfielder Daniel Paladini's strike just after halftime to down Chivas USA 1-0 Saturday afternoon in Oxnard, Calif.

Playing two different XI's in the match, head coach Frank Klopas saw the return of goalkeeper Sean Johnson following U.S. Men's National Team camp last month. Johnson was called into action in the 22nd minute when a giveaway in the back saw Michael Lahoud walk in alone before the U.S. international parried his shot out for a corner kick. The save preserved the scoreless deadlock heading into halftime.

With a new XI inserted at halftime, the Fire would find the game-winner just after the break when midfielder Daniel Paladini strode toward goal before firing a low blast that beat Chivas goalkeeper Tim Melia inside the lower right post in the 49th minute.

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS FOR THE CLUB'S 2012 MLS CAMPAIGN AT TOYOTA PARK NOW ON SALE

Single game tickets and Family Four-Packs for the club's historic 15th MLS season at Toyota Park went on sale to the public Monday morning at 10:00 a.m. CT. Individual game tickets start as low as $15, while Family Four Packs which include 4 Pepsi's, 4 hot dogs and 4 match tickets are $79 (Corner Kick) and $99 (Premier).

Both individual game tickets and Family Four- Packs can be purchased by calling 1-(888)-MLS-FIRE, visiting Ticketmaster online, via their Facebook page, or by clicking on Chicago-Fire.com. Download the 2012 Chicago Fire home schedule by clicking here (PDF).

Hosting 14 of the club's 17 MLS regular season home matches on weekends, the club begins its 2012 home schedule with Opening Night at Toyota Park against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, March 24 at 7:30 PM CT.

SUPPORT THE CHICAGO FIRE FOUNDATION AT THE 14TH ANNUAL SEASON KICKOFF LUNCHEON MONDAY, MARCH 12

Get your tickets for the 14th annual Chicago Fire Season Kickoff Luncheon which will be held on Monday, March 12, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. This is the first chance of the season to meet your 2012 Chicago Fire Soccer team . The event includes a reception, lunch and silent auction featuring Chicago Fire and other sports memorabilia, gift certificates and more . The first 20 full paid tables of ten (10) at $800 get to sit with a Fire player or coach. Purchase your tickets today to guarantee your seat for the Luncheon!

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Major League Soccer Stories from February 13, 2012


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