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MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire FC Weekly Update: International Duty, Team of the Matchday, Training Schedule, & New Sleeve Partner

October 9, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CHICAGO FIRE FC INTERNATIONAL BREAK UPDATE

As the FIFA international window approaches, Chicago Fire FC has five players representing their respective countries. Midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri joined the Switzerland Men's National Team, while defender Miguel Navarro, and midfielder Gastón Giménez joined the Venezuela Men's National Team and the Paraguay Men's National Team, respectively. Additionally, Homegrowns Brian Gutiérrez and Chris Brady were called in to represent the U.S. U-23 Men's Youth National Team.

Shaqiri has been called to the Switzerland Men's National Team for Matchday 7 and 8 of the EURO 2024 qualifiers. Switzerland's Matchday 7 contest against Israel was scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 12 but was postponed by FIFA and will be played at a future date yet to be determined. La Nati will host Belarus on Sunday, Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. CT at Kybunpark in St. Gallen, Switzerland. As it currently stands, Switzerland sits at the top of Group I with 14 points, having gone undefeated in group stage play with a record of 4-0-2.

Navarro has joined his home country of Venezuela for a second consecutive international window, as they continue their run in FIFA World Cup qualifying for the World Cup that will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. Venezuela resumes qualifying play against Brazil on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. CT at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiabá, Brazil. The following week, the Vinotinto will host Chile on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 4 p.m. CT at Estadio Monumental de Maturín in Maturín, Venezuela.

Giménez, who has been called into camp for the first time since 2021, will represent Paraguay during the FIFA international break. Paraguay will continue their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against Argentina on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. CT at Estadio Mâs Monumental in Caba, Argentina. The following week, Paraguay will be hosting Bolivia on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asunción, Paraguay.

Gutiérrez and Brady will represent the U-23 U.S. Men's Youth National Team in a trifecta of international friendlies in preparation for the 2024 Olympics. Their opening contest will take place against Mexico on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 9 p.m. CT at Phoenix Rising Stadium in Phoenix, Ariz. Six days later, the Americans will play host to Japan on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 9:30 p.m. CT at the Phoenix Rising Stadium.

XHERDAN SHAQIRI, FRANK KLOPAS HEADLINE TEAM OF THE MATCHDAY 36

Following a 4-1 victory over Inter Miami CF on Wednesday, Oct. 4, Chicago Fire FC Head Coach Frank Klopas and Designated Player Xherdan Shaqiri were selected to the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 36. Additionally, midfielders Gastón Giménez and Maren Haile-Selassie were named to the Team of the Matchday bench.

In front of a sold-out crowd of 62,124 fans, the Fire set a new attendance record at Soldier Field, and produced its most goals in a single match this season and its largest margin of victory on the campaign. Led by a brace from Shaqiri and Haile-Selassie, the Fire coasted to victory along the lakefront.

With the brace against Inter Miami, Shaqiri has scored five goals this season, tying him with striker Kei Kamara for the second-most on the team. Additionally, Haile-Selassie's brace gave him his fifth and sixth goals of the regular season, giving him the Fire's golden boot heading into Decision Day. As for Giménez, the Argentine midfielder had a strong presence on both ends of the field throughout the match, delivreing the assist on Shaqiri's second of the night and was named Man of the Match for his performance against Inter Miami.

With the victory, Klopas recorded his 49th victory as head coach of the Fire. One more victory would make him just the third head coach in Fire history to reach 50 all-time wins, joining Bob Bradley and Dave Sarachan.

HYUNDAI PARTNERS WITH CHICAGO FIRE FC AS JERSEY SLEEVE SPONSOR

Chicago Fire FC and Hyundai announced an expanded multiyear agreement that will feature Hyundai as the Fire's sleeve sponsor on the Club's right sleeve for both the home and away jerseys. As part of the partnership, Hyundai has been named the Exclusive Import Vehicle of Chicago Fire FC, and much more!

Through the expanded multiyear agreement, Hyundai will become the Exclusive Import Vehicle of Chicago Fire FC, as well as the Club's jersey sleeve sponsor, with a logo patch appearing on both the First Team's home and away jerseys. As part of the agreement, Hyundai will receive an increased presence during Chicago Fire home matches, being named as the Presenting Sponsor of the Pump-Up Song videoboard feature, being played during halftime of regular season home matches, with fans voting for the song they want to listen to during halftime. Promotion of the Pump-Up Song feature will include integration of Hyundai's logo on rotational and LED graphics in-stadium, as well as through the Fire's mobile application.

The announcement of Hyundai as the Chicago Fire's jersey sleeve sponsor is an extension and expansion of an existing deal, with the automaker currently sponsoring the Club's pre-match "Keys to the Match" video series, as well the matchday roster announcement, "Starting XI presented by Hyundai." Additionally, Hyundai serves as a partner to the Club's grassroots marketing initiatives, providing the Fire with a PALISADE SUV to travel to and from each community event.

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