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MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Look to Bounce Back Against Houston Dynamo

April 18, 2011 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


"Inside of a ring or out, ain't nothing wrong with going down. It's staying down that's wrong."

- Muhammad Ali

The Chicago Fire (1-3-1, 4 points) look to put an end to their three game losing skid when the club welcomes the Houston Dynamo for the Fire Goes Green match at TOYOTA PARK on Saturday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. CT live on CSN with Dan Kelly and Evan Whitfield calling the action.

The club's three games in eight days stretch proved difficult as the Fire fell in both matches of its Cascadia road swing. Kasey Keller and Seattle Sounders FC stifled a string of Fire chances in the second half to eek out a 2-1 win at Qwest Field. Midweek, the Men in Red opened JELD-WEN Field in front of a rambunctious Portland Timbers crowd that fueled the expansion side to a 4-2 victory. The Fire returned home and mounted a furious comeback, but were bested by the LA Galaxy 2-1.

The Men in Red will look to improve upon their 1-3-1 record against the perennial Western Conference contender-turned-Eastern Conference foe at TOYOTA PARK. The Fire topped the orange-clad side 2-0 in last year's Fire Goes Green match on April 24. Baggio Husidic and Peter Lowry tallied on both sides of halftime to give the Fire their first win over Houston at TOYOTA PARK.

CHICAGO FIRE vs. Houston Dynamo

- The Fire are 3-6-1 against the Dynamo all-time with a 1-3-1 record in matches played at TOYOTA PARK.

- The Fire won and lost against the Houston club in 2010. Lowry and Husidic put their names in the score sheet in the first leg April 24 at TOYOTA PARK. In the second meeting at Robertson Stadium, the Men in Red's three goal rally was not enough as Brian Ching headed home the winner to give the Dynamo a 4-3 victory.

* The Men in Red will face off against former Fire forward Calen Carr. The fleet Cal product appeared in 82 games for the Fire over the course of his five-year career with the club. Conversely, current Fire forward Dominic Oduro will meet his former club for the first time since being swapped for Carr March 23.

* Last year in support of the Fire Goes Green efforts players, coaches and staff planted 40 trees surrounding TOYOTA PARK.

* The last time the Fire lost three consecutive matches - from Sept. 11 - 25, 2010, the club bounced back to score three goals and defeat the San Jose Earthquakes at Buck Shaw Stadium Sept. 29.

"FIRE GOES GREEN" MATCH RETURNS FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR

The Chicago Fire Soccer Club will continue its expansive green initiatives and promotion of environmentally friendly policies on and off the pitch, beginning the week of Earth Day and continuing throughout the 2011 MLS season. For the third consecutive year, the Fire will host a "Fire Goes Green" match against the Houston Dynamo at TOYOTA PARK on Saturday, April 23 7:30 p.m. CT (CSN).

The Fire will wear commemorative uniforms featuring a green Fire word mark across the front of the Men in Red's jersey. In addition, the jerseys will feature unique colored name and numbers, and a special patch to help highlight the "going green" initiatives throughout the game. Fans attending the Fire - Dynamo match will have an opportunity to bid on these game-worn, commemorative Fire jerseys from each member of the team. Each winner will be given the opportunity to have the Fire player personally autograph the game worn jersey after the game. All proceeds benefit the Chicago Fire Foundation. For more information contact the Chicago Fire Foundation at 708-496-6740.

In an effort to promote environmental sustainability, the Fire will provide a number of eco-friendly solutions to its match day experience.

THE CHICAGO FIRE AND ARTE Y VIDA PRESENT THE ART OF FUTBOL GALLERY SHOWING

The Chicago Fire Soccer Club and Arte y Vida Chicago will showcase work from Chicagoland artists who submitted original works that celebrate love and passion for soccer and community at the inaugural Art of Futbol exhibition at the adidas Originals Store (923 North Rush Street, Chicago, IL 60611) on Thursday, April 21 from 7 - 9 p.m. CT.

An open to the public after-set will take place at the Crimson Lounge (333 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654) at 9:30 p.m. CT.

The Fire and Arte y Vida put out a call to Chicagoland artists looking for original works that celebrate the game of soccer in all its glory. The fanatical, the committed, the emotional, the love and passion of soccer was asked to be unashamedly displayed through various mediums including paint, pencil, photography, poetry and even the digital realm. It was also asked that the piece integrate ideas of community and cultural diversity.

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 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, announced last week 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.

For the full schedule click here: http://www.chicago-fire.com/schedule

Check out the Chicago Fire FC Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from April 18, 2011


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