Chicago Fire Sign Croatian Midfielder Marko Maric
March 2, 2011 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release
CHICAGO, IL (March 2, 2011) - The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced today the signing of 27-year-old midfielder Marko Maric. The Zagreb, Croatia-born midfielder will be added to the Fire's roster upon the receipt of his P1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Maric is the fourth international, and second Croatian player, signed by the Fire since the conclusion of the 2010 season. Per club and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"Marko is a tenacious, hard working midfielder with size and technical ability," said Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas. "We had the chance to evaluate him during our preseason camp in Florida and we're impressed with how he fit in with the group and will be good addition to our club."
Maric broke into the professional ranks at the age of 20 with Croatian club NK Zagreb, where he racked-up 35 appearances from 2003-2005. At the conclusion of the 2005 season, Maric departed Croatia for Greek club Egaleo FC. The sizeable midfielder tallied one goal in 41 appearances in a holding midfield role. After impressing in Greece, Maric moved to French club Lille OSC where he made five appearances and scored one goal.
Maric joins the Fire on a free transfer from Greek side Skoda Xanthi F.C. where he made four appearances during the 2010 season.
The 6-2 midfielder joins fellow Croatian and former NK Zagreb defender Josip Mikulic as the second Croatian player to sign with the Fire this season.
The Fire host Opening Day at TOYOTA PARK against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, March 26 at 3:00 PM CT. Chicago Fire Season Tickets and single game 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 . The Men in Red will begin their 14th MLS season during "First Kick" week when they travel to Dallas to challenge Brimstone Cup rivals and MLS Cup runners up FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park on Saturday, March 19 at 7:30 PM CT.
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