MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Continue Preparations for 2012 Campaign

Published on January 30, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


After eight days of training at the club's base in Ave Maria, Fla., the Chicago Fire opened the team's 2012 preseason campaign Sunday, playing to a 0-0 draw with D.C. United in Ft. Myers, Fla. Head coach Frank Klopas utilized 33 different players, changing the entire XI on the field in the 33rd and 61st minutes of play in order to evaluate talent and get a better understanding of player's abilities a game environment. A recap, highlights and photos from the match are available by visiting Chicago-Fire.com.

In conjunction with the Chicago Fire Juniors-Florida, based out of Naples, the Fire will next take on Florida Gulf Coast University Wednesday, February 1, 6:00 p.m. CT at North Park in Ave Maria, Fla. Follow the match LIVE via @ChiFireMatch on Twitter. The side continues to train in Ave Maria through Thursday before departing for New Orleans, La. where the team will visit the Chicago Fire Juniors-Louisiana and play an international friendly match against Honduran side Real C.D. Españ a on Saturday, February 4, 5:00 p.m. CT at Tad Gormley Stadium.

Following Sunday's match the team released trialists Jon Okafor, Omar Persad, Walter Restrepo and Open Tryout winner Fabrizio Pittaluga from training camp.

See below the club's full 2012 preseason schedule.

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

TRAINING: Chicago Fire First Team - 9:00 a.m. CT - North Park - Ave Maria, Fla.

GAMES:

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

Wednesday, February 1 - Chicago Fire vs. Florida Gulf Coast University - 6:00 p.m. CT - Ave Maria, Fla. - North Park

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

GAMES:

Saturday, February 4 - Chicago Fire vs. Real C.D. Espana (HON) - 5:00 p.m. CT - New Orleans, La. - Tad Gormley Stadium

February 5: First Team returns to Chicago

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

GAMES:

Saturday, February 11 - Chicago Fire vs. Chivas USA - Time & Location: TBD

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

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 5: 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

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

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

March 5: First Team returns to Chicago

PAPPA AND PUPPO REPORT TO CAMP; ROBAYO AWAITS VISA; TEAM SIGNS RE-ENTRY DRAFT SELECTION DUBE

After going through the visa process, Guatemalan international midfielder Marco Pappa and Uruguayan striker Federico reported to camp last week. A few days behind the rest of the team in fitness, the duo was held out of Sunday's exhibition vs . D.C. United but will be available for selection in Wednesday's match vs. Florida Gulf Coast University in Ave Maria, Fla.

Offseason signing, Rafael Robayo continues to go through the visa process. The Colombian midfielder will join preseason camp upon receipt of his visa.

The club also announced the signing of 2011 MLS Re-Entry process selection Kheli Dube last Wednesday. Hailing from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Dube, 28, comes to the Fire from the New England Revolution where he tallied 14 goals and nine assists across 72 matches from 2008-11.

MEN IN RED ACQUIRE ALLOCATION MONEY IN EXCHANGE FOR FORMER FIRE DEFENDER WILMAN CONDE

The Chicago Fire Soccer Club has traded the MLS right of first refusal on defender Wilman Conde to the New York Red Bulls in exchange for allocation money. New York has agreed to personal terms with the out-of-contract Conde and he will be added to the Red Bull's roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Having protected Conde during the 2010 MLS Expansion Draft, the Fire held the MLS right of first refusal on the former Fire defender.

Conde joined the Fire in 2007 and the Colombian defender tallied four goals and four assists across 77 matches before signing with Mexican side Club Atlas on a free transfer in January 2011.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2012 CHICAGO FIRE SEASON KICKOFF LUNCHEON

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!

2012 SEASON TICKET HOLDERS ENTERED TO WIN FREE PRESEASON TRIP TO CHARLESTON, S.C.

All Chicago Fire Season Ticket Holders that have newly bought or renewed their seats for 2012 by Feb. 3 are eligible to be chosen for a trip for two to see the team in its final preseason match vs. the Charleston Battery as part of the Carolina Challenge Cup, Saturday, March 3 at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C.

Season Ticket Holders will receive one entry for every full 2012 Season Ticket purchased, with the Fire providing round-trip airfare for two, one night hotel stay and match tickets to the preseason clash.

Chicago Fire Season Tickets are available by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE (657-3473) or by visiting www.ourcityourclub.com.

FIRE TO OPEN UP 2012 MLS CAMPAIGN MARCH 17 AT EXPANSION MONTREAL, HOST OPENING DAY MARCH 24 AGAINST PHILADELPHIA UNION

The Chicago Fire Soccer Club, in conjunction with Major League Soccer and its national television partners, unveiled the 2012 regular season schedule Thursday. The Fire are slated to appear in a total of 13 nationally televised broadcasts throughout its 15th season of MLS play. The Fire kick off the 2012 MLS campaign with a visit to the expansion Montreal Impact in the club's first home match Saturday, March 17 at Olympic Stadium (2:00 PM CT). The Fire's full schedule can be seen at Chicago-Fire.com/schedule.

The Fire host Opening Day at Toyota Park against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, March 24 at 7:30 PM CT. Chicago Fire Season Tickets 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 .

Check out the Chicago Fire FC Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Major League Soccer Stories from January 30, 2012


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.

OurSports Central