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Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire FC Weekly Update

April 22, 2024 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CHICAGO'S HOMESTAND CONTINUES VS. ATLANTA ON SATURDAY

For the second and final time this season, Chicago Fire FC will take on Eastern Conference opponent Atlanta United FC in the 2024 regular season. Currently heading into the second leg of their three-game homestand, Chicago enters the match with a .500 record on home field (2-2-0) as the Club prepares for their fifth match at Soldier Field this season.

Earlier this season, the Fire visited Atlanta and fell, 3-0, on the road on March 31 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Since Atlanta's arrival to Major League Soccer in 2017, Chicago Fire FC holds a record of 4-8-2 against the Georgia-based side. Saturday's home contest will mark the 15th all-time matchup between Chicago and Atlanta.

Saturday's match will also mark a historic night for Chicago Fire FC, as the Club will honor legendary goalkeeper Zach Thornton's career by inducting him into the Ring of Fire. With his induction, Thornton becomes the ninth member of the Ring of Fire, joining former midfielder Chris Armas, former defender C.J. Brown, former captain Piotr Nowak, former defender Lubos Kubik, former forward and current Head Coach Frank Klopas, the Fire's first General Manager Peter Wilt, former Head Coach Bob Bradley, and former forward Ante Razov in the club's Ring of Fire.

Chicago Fire FC will also celebrate the Club's 90's Night this Saturday night against Atlanta United FC. On top of the Ring of Fire festivities, the Fire will have 90's-themed activations at Gate 0, as well as a Zach Thornton bobblehead giveaway. Tickets for Saturday's match vs. Atlanta can be purchased here.

Kickoff for Saturday's match is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT. The match will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and will also be transmitted locally on wlsam.com (English) and WRTO 1200 AM (Spanish).

Game Information

CHICAGO FIRE FC (2-4-3, 9 points) vs. ATLANTA UNITED FC (3-3-2, 11 points)

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Soldier Field - Chicago

All-Time Record vs. ATL: (4-8-2)

Last Game vs. ATL: May 20, 2023 (3-3 D) - Soldier Field - Chicago

Last Game at ATL: March 31, 2024 (0-3 L) - Mercedes-Benz Stadium - Atlanta

by the numbers

(zach thornton edition)

With Zach Thornton's Ring of Fire ceremony this weekend, let's look at some of the statistical accomplishments of the legendary goalkeeper.

1 - Zach Thornton will become the first goalkeeper in the Club's 27-year history to be inducted into the Ring of Fire. Thornton joins Fire legends C.J. Brown and Chris Armas as the three players who have won all six domestic championships with Chicago. All three are together again, immortalized in the Ring of Fire.

1998 - A remarkable season for Thornton. In 1998, the Maryland native joined the expansion side and led the Fire to 'The Double', winning both the MLS Cup and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. His 16 victories and eight clean sheets led to him winning the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award. Thronton remains just one of two goalkeepers in Fire history to win the award (Jon Busch - 2008).

215 - The number of games played by Thornton. His 215 appearances are the most by a Fire goalkeeper and fourth-most by any player at any position in Club history. Only behind Gonzalo Segares (231), Logan Pause (286) and C.J. Brown (296). On top of that, Thornton holds most of the Fire's goalkeeping records, including wins (109), clean sheets (57), starts (212), and wins in a single season (17).

Check out the Chicago Fire FC Statistics

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