MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Announce 2011 Preseason Schedule

Published on January 24, 2011 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CHICAGO, IL (Jan. 24, 2011) - The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced its 2011 preseason schedule today. The Men in Red report to TOYOTA PARK this Friday, Jan. 28 for the official start of the club's 14th season. The Fire will kick off its preseason training in its hometown of Bridgeview, IL and later travel to Ave Maria, Florida and Charleston, South Carolina, playing eight matches over the course of the next 51 days in preparation for their MLS First Kick match against FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park on Saturday, March 19 at 7:30 PM CT. Following initial physical exams and fitness test, the Fire will spend eleven days at the Bridgeview Soccer & Sports Dome, starting on Monday, Jan. 31 before departing to Florida. Media availability times for the first leg will be announced at a later date.

Following nearly two weeks at the newly remodeled Bridgeview Soccer & Sports Dome, the Fire will head to Ave Maria, FL where the club will train at Ave Maria University from Feb. 14 until Feb. 26. During the Fire's stay at Ave Maria University, the club will be assisted operationally by the Chicago Fire Juniors - Florida, an extension of the Fire's player development system who operate just 17 miles west of the small university.

While training in the Sunshine State, Coach Carlos de los Cobos' side will build fitness in exhibition matches against Florida Gulf Coast University on Thursday, Feb. 17 (TBA) and a doubleheader against the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, FL at 10 AM and noon CT. The Fire will play two additional exhibition matches while in Florida, those opponents, dates and times will be announced at a later date.

The Fire return to Chicago for three days before departing for Charleston, SC on Wednesday, March 2, where the team will compete in the Carolina Challenge Cup for the first time. Hosted by the Charleston Battery at Blackbaud Stadium, the Fire will take on MLS adversaries D.C. United and Toronto FC along with the host club. The Fire open the tournament against Toronto FC on Saturday, March 5, followed by D.C. United on Wednesday, March 9. The club will conclude the tournament on Saturday, March 12 against the Charleston Battery.

The players return to Chicago on Sunday, March 13 ahead of the club's 2011 Season Kickoff Luncheon on Monday, March 14 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The Men in Red will round out the preseason camp with a week of training at TOYOTA PARK before heading to Dallas to renew the Brimstone Cup rivalry.

The Fire will host Opening Day at TOYOTA PARK against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, March 26 at 3:00 PM CT. Chicago Fire Season Tickets and 2011 Winter Packs, which give fans the opportunity to witness the Men in Red in action on Opening Day and the Fire's second home match in 2011, are available by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE (657-3473), via Ticketmaster or by heading to the club's official website at Chicago-Fire.com .

Chicago Fire 2011 Preseason Schedule (all times CT):

Jan. 28: Players report to TOYOTA PARK

Jan. 28 - Jan. 30: Fitness and Medical Examinations at TOYOTA PARK

Jan. 31 - Feb. 5: Training at the Bridgeview Soccer & Sports Dome

Feb. 6: Players off in Chicago, IL

Feb. 7-11: Training at the Bridgeview Soccer & Sports Dome

Feb. 12 - Feb. 13: Players off in Chicago

Feb. 14: Travel to Ave Maria, FL

Feb. 15- Feb. 26: Training in Ave Maria, FL

Feb. 17: Match vs. Florida Gulf Coast University

Feb. 20: Match vs. TBD (TBA)

Feb. 23: Match vs. New York Red Bulls (10 and noon)

Feb. 26: Match vs. TBD (TBA),

Feb. 26: Return to Chicago

Feb. 27 - March 1: Players off in Chicago

March 2: Travel to Charleston, SC

March 5: Match vs. Toronto FC (4:00 PM)

March 9: Match vs. D.C. United (4:00 PM)

March 12: Match vs. Charleston Battery (6:15)

March 13: Return to Chicago

March 14: 2011 Season Kickoff Luncheon at Hyatt Regency Chicago

March 14 - March 18: Training at TOYOTA PARK

March 19: First Kick match on the road against FC Dallas (7:30 PM)

March 26: Opening Day at TOYOTA PARK versus Sporting KC (3:00 PM)

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