MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Challenge Defending MLS Cup Champion Colorado Rapids

Published on April 25, 2011 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


The Chicago Fire (1-3-2, 5 points) travel to Denver to take on the reigning MLS Cup Champion Colorado Rapids (3-3-0, 9 points) at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Saturday, April 30 at 8:00 p.m. CT. Dan Kelly and Evan Whitfield will call the action live on My50.

When facing the defending MLS Cup Champions, the Men in Red are 12-11-6 tallying 45 goals and conceding 43. The Fire last defeated a defending MLS Cup champ on April 29, 2007 when the Fire bested the Houston Dynamo 1-0 as Chris Rolfe's goal proved the difference at Robertson Stadium.

The Fire enter Saturday's fixture coming off a 1-1 draw with the Dynamo at TOYOTA PARK. Uruguayan forward Diego Chaves notched his fourth goal in six games. The Fire were forced to settle for a draw after Bobby Boswell's 83rd minute header snuck past goalkeeper Jon Conway.

The Fire face another stern test in Colorado to end the hectic month of April. To complicate matters, the Men in Red will be faced with playing 90 minutes at 5,280 feet above sea level. The Fire have not always fared well at altitude, going 3-8-5 while playing in the Mile High City.

CHICAGO FIRE at Colorado Rapids

* Historically, the Fire have struggled against the Rapids in Colorado, posting a 3-8-5 record in the Rockies. Scoring 19 goals and conceding 27.

* The Fire hold a 16-11-7 all-time record against the Rapids.

* The Fire have a 1-1-2 record since the Rapids moved into Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

* Diego Chaves has impressed early for the Fire. Scoring four goals in his first six MLS appearances. The crafty Uruguayan is the first Fire player to tally a goal in his first three MLS appearances.

* The Rapids enter Saturday's match on a three-game losing skid after winning their first three matches to start the season.

* In 2010, the two sides played to 2-2 draws in both matches. All four forwards tallied goals as Collins John and Brian McBride matched Conor Casey and Omar Cummings to earn a 2-2 draw at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on April 3. Marco Pappa's brace wasn't enough to lift the Fire over the Rapids in the home leg, as Casey's late game header tied the game before last season's World Cup break on June 9.

* Rookie right back Jalil Anibaba has played in every minute of every Fire game this season.

* The Fire defeated the Rapids 2-1 in a U.S. Open Cup Play-in match March 30 in Peoria, Ill. Gaston Puerari scored moments before the halftime whistle blew and Anibaba put home the game winner from 35-yards out after Andre Akpan scored for the Rapids.

CHICAGO FIRE TO PLAY MANCHESTER UNITED AT SOLDIER FIELD AS PART OF WORLD FOOTBALL CHALLENGE

The Chicago Fire Soccer Club, in conjunction with MLS and CAA Sports, announced last week that the Chicago Fire will take on Manchester United at Soldier Field on Saturday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. CT as part of the World Football Challenge. Complete details regarding the World Football Challenge including all participating teams, schedule, format and event sponsors will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Chicago Fire v. Manchester United match is included in the Fire's Full Season Ticket Holder plan as Bonus Game Two. Supporters can immediately purchase a ticket for the Chicago Fire-Manchester United match by purchasing full Chicago Fire Season Tickets by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE (657-3473) or by heading to the club's official website at Chicago-Fire.com. Fire Season Ticket Holders will receive an in-kind number of seats at Soldier Field and be given the opportunity to upgrade and/or purchase additional tickets. Details regarding group tickets, single game tickets and public on-sale will be announced at a later date.

Led by Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United is one of the most recognized clubs in the world, lifting a total of 18 English Premier League titles, four Carling cups, three European Cups and a record 11 FA Cups. In 1999, United were the first team to win the Treble (English Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League) in one season. Founded in 1878, the Red Devils have competed in the top division of English soccer since 1938, with the exception of the 1974-1975 season.

CHICAGO FIRE PARTNER WITH DREAMS, INC. TO OPEN FIRST-EVER TEAM RETAIL STORE AT TOYOTA PARK

The Chicago Fire Soccer Club and the Village of Bridgeview, in conjunction with Dreams, Inc (NYSE Amex: DRJ), the vertically-integrated leader in the licensed sports products industry, recently announced that Dreams, Inc. will manage the retail, game day and online merchandise operations for the club, including opening of the Fire's first-ever retail store. The Fire's new team store, located between Gate's D and E at the entrance of TOYOTA PARK will be open this Sunday, April 17 when the Men in Red host the LA Galaxy at TOYOTA PARK on Sunday, April 17 at 3:00 p.m. CT (TeleFutura).

The deal marks Dream's inaugural alliance with an MLS Soccer team, following on the success with the NFL, NBA and major college athletics.

In addition to online and stadium retail stores, Dreams, Inc. will oversee stadium operations at the new, seven-day a week retail space inside TOYOTA PARK, satellite stores and other team retail events. Dreams, Inc will deliver a comprehensive retail solution for all Chicago Fire supporters.

The deal gives fans the extensive array of Chicago Fire products and sports memorabilia that is the hallmark of Dreams, Inc., including apparel, headwear, gifts, novelties, home décor and collectibles at TOYOTA PARK and online at Chicago-Fire.com. Supporters will be hearing about the numerous options via the Chicago Fire's social media, in-stadium visibility and other media outreach.

Dreams has had tremendous success partnering with various industry leaders, including NFL teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Diego Chargers, and college powerhouses such as the University of Texas and the University of Miami.

DAN KELLY, EVAN WHITFIELD AND OSCAR GUZMAN NAMED THE OFFICIAL FIRE BROADCAST TEAM FOR 2011

Dan Kelly and former Fire player Evan Whitfield will call the action from the booth for the Fire's 24 matches on Comcast SportsNet (CSN) and My50 this season. The duo, in their first year together, will be joined by Oscar Guzman on the sideline.

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Major League Soccer Stories from April 25, 2011


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