MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Travel North to Tussle with Toronto FC

Published on May 9, 2011 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


The Chicago Fire (1-3-4, 7 points) head North of the border to take on Toronto FC (2-3-4, 10 points) at BMO Field on Saturday, May 14 at 6:00 p.m. CT. Dan Kelly and Evan Whitfield will call the action from the booth live on CSN+/CSN.

The Men in Red return to the road after a 0-0 draw with Vancouver Whitecaps FC at home on the weekend. The Fire controlled possession and created the bulk of the chances throughout the match, including when Fire forward Diego Chaves saw his 44th minute shot spurned by the far post. In the end, the Fire extended their unbeaten run to three games with the draw at TOYOTA PARK.

Trips to the Queen City have proved difficult for the Fire since TFC joined MLS in 2007. The Fire are 2-3-0 while playing amidst the rowdy Canadian supporters at BMO Field, having conceded three or more goals in each of their defeats in Toronto.

CHICAGO FIRE at Toronto FC

* The Fire are 3-3-3 against the Reds in the short all-time history dating back to 2007.

* Fire forward Diego Chaves sits tied for second place in the Budweiser Golden Boot race. The clever Uruguayan has tallied four goals through seven games and is behind D.C. United's Charlie Davies who has six goals on the season.

* The Fire earned their first shutout of the season on Saturday. Fire 'keeper Jon Conway only faced one shot on goal, however, it was a game defining save as the 6'6 goalkeeper leapt off his line to deny Whitecaps FC striker Eric Hassli from close range.

* The Fire failed to score a goal for the first time in 2011 as they played to a scoreless draw with Vancouver over the weekend.

* The Men in Red have taken points twice while playing at BMO Field, taking a 3-0 victory in July 2007 and a 2-0 win in May 2009. All-time the Fire are 2-3-0 while playing in Toronto.

* The Fire are 8-2-3 all-time in the ninth regular season match of the season, outscoring opponents 28-9.

* TFC has tallied three goals or more in their three victories over the Fire in the provincial capital of Ontario.

* Fire 'keeper Jon Conway has faced the fewest shots of any goalkeeper in the league (amongst goalkeepers who have played at least four games). Conway, who spent the 2010 MLS campaign with TFC, has racked-up seven saves and a 1.00 goals against average while minding the Fire's goal.

* The Fire lost and tied to Toronto FC in 2010. The Fire were routed 4-1 in a wind-blown match at BMO Field May 8 of last year as former Fire forward Chad Barrett tallied a brace to down the Fire. Current Fire captain Logan Pause had the lone bright spot in the match, scoring a 51st minute goal which ended up being the club's 2010 Goal of the Year. The return leg saw TFC and the Men in Red play to a scoreless draw at TOYOTA PARK.

TICKETS OFFICIALLY ON-SALE FOR THE CHICAGO FIRE VS. MANCHESTER UNITED MATCH AT SOLDIER FIELD; KICKOFF MOVED TO 4:00 P.M. CT.

Tickets are officially on-sale for the Chicago Fire - Manchester United match at Soldier Field and are available by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE, Chicago-Fire.com or via Ticketmaster. The Fire will take on the English Premier League leaders and UEFA Champions League Semifinalists at Soldier Field on Saturday, July 23 at 4:00 p.m. CT as part of the World Football Challenge. The organizers of the World Football Challenge have moved the kickoff time from 7:00 p.m. CT to 4:00 p.m. CT.

The Chicago Fire v. Manchester United match is included in the Fire's Full Season Ticket Holder plan as Bonus Game Two. Supporters can 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.

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. United currently sit atop the Barclay's English Premier League table with 76 points through 36 games.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN CLUB HISTORY, CHICAGO FIRE TO PRACTICE IN THE COMMUNITY

The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced today that for the first time in the club's 14-year history that the Fire will Practice in the Community. The Fire will hold three practices in the community over the course of the 2011 MLS season with the first taking place in Chicago's Historic Mexican neighborhood of Pilsen at Benito Juarez Community Academy (1450 -1510 W. Cermak Chicago, Illinois 60608) on Sunday, June 5 at 11:00 a.m. CT.

The Fire will venture away from their soccer-specific home of TOYOTA PARK to Practice in the Community, bringing the entire Fire team to Chicago's South Side for a full training session that is open to the general public. Following the practice, the Fire will interact with the students of Benito Juarez Community Academy and members of the local community by signing autographs and talking soccer.

The Practice in the Community marks the beginning of the partnership between the Fire and Benito Juarez Community Academy.

The Fire intend to return to Naperville, where the club played from 2002-2003, to host their next Practice in the Community on Sunday, July 17.

MLS W.OR.K.S./The Home Depot Community Launches

The MLS W.O.R.K.S./The Home Depot Community MVP Contest will launched League-wide on April 29 in all 18 MLS markets, giving fans throughout the League an opportunity to nominate themselves or individuals who go above and beyond to make a difference in their community.

One (1) winner will be selected to represent each MLS market (18 total winners) and will receive local* recognition at a home game during the 2011 season, and national recognition during halftime at the 2011 AT&T MLS All-Star game at Red Bull Arena on July 27.

One (1) grand prize winner will also be selected to receive a $10,000 donation to their charity of choice. The voting process will take place during a two week window (July 8-22) and the winner will be announced during the recognition ceremony at All-Star (further details to follow).

Nominate your Community MVP by visiting http://www.mlssoccer.com/communitymvp by June 24.

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Major League Soccer Stories from May 9, 2011


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