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MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Weekly Notes

October 6, 2008 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CHICAGO HOST COLUMBUS SUNDAY

The Chicago Fire (12-9-6, 42 pts.) host the Columbus Crew (16-6-5, 53 pts.) Sunday at TOYOTA PARK (2 p.m., My50 Chicago, TeleFutura, WRTO 1200-AM Spanish, WNVR 1030-AM Polish). Chicago tied Kansas City last week and are in third place in the Eastern Conference; one point behind New England (43 pts.) and 11 points behind Columbus (53 pts.). The Fire are 6-5-3 at home but just 1-5-2 on Sundays. The Fire still lead MLS in goals against average 0.96 (26 GA/27 G) and their goal differential remains at +9 (35-26), second best in the league behind Columbus' +15 (46-31). All three of the Fire's remaining matches are against Eastern Conference opponents. The Fire can clinch a playoff spot this weekend with a win or a tie against Columbus and a loss or tie by New York and D.C. United. The Fire can also clinch a spot if they lose Sunday, if New York and D.C. both lose their matches.

CHICAGO-COLUMBUS SERIES AND PREVIOUS GAME RECAPS

Chicago and Columbus play for the second time this season. The two teams tied in their previous meeting 2-2 at Crew Stadium on July 5. Chris Rolfe had a goal and an assist (Carr, 25') in the match. The Fire also played the Crew in a 2008 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play-in game, qualifying for the tournament after taking that match 3-2 with a goal from Stephen King and two goals from Andy Herron. The clubs are meeting for the 37th time, and Chicago holds the all-time regular season series with a record of 17-10-9. The Fire also hold a slight advantage in goal scoring with 56 goals for and 55 goals against.

CHICAGO FIRE COMMUNITY SOCCER CLINIC HOSTED BY BRIAN MCBRIDE

Brian McBride has returned to his hometown of Arlington Heights and will host a Chicago Fire Community Soccer Clinic tonight, Monday, Oct. 6 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Willow Stream Park in Buffalo Grove with the Arlington Aces and Grove United soccer clubs. Participants will enjoy a 90 minute soccer clinic coached by professional coaches from the Chicago Fire followed by a Q&A and autograph session with McBride, Dasan Robinson, and Mike Banner.

PLAYOFF BOUND

With three games left in MLS regular season play, three teams, the Columbus Crew (53 pts.), the New England Revolution (43 pts.) and last year's MLS Cup Champion the Houston Dynamo (43 pts.), have clinched playoff positions. If the season ended today, the Columbus and Houston would secure the top seeds in their respective conferences. The Revolution (43 pts) and the Fire (42 pts.) would also qualify in the East, while Chivas USA (39 pts) would rank second in the Western Conference followed by Real Salt Lake (35 pts). The final two playoff spots - wild cards determined by most points overall regardless of conference - would go to the Red Bulls (35 points) and Colorado (34 pts) in the East and West respectively.

FIREWORKS FOR KIDS COMMEMORATIVE JERSEY AUCTION THIS SUNDAY

On Sunday, fans will have the opportunity to bid on game-worn commemorative jerseys from each member of the Chicago Fire squad. These limited edition jerseys include blue lettering and numbering as well as a Chicago Fire 10th Anniversary Commemorative Patch. After the match, each auction winner will have the opportunity to have their auction item personally autographed by the player. All proceeds from this auction benefit the FireWorks For Kids Foundation. The Fans should place their bids for the commemorative jerseys at the Foundation tent located on the northeast corner of the concourse.

FIRE TO CELEBRATE 10TH ANNIVERSARY ON SUNDAY

The Chicago Fire will be honoring the rich tradition and history of the "Men in Red" with a 10th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, Oct. 12, during Chicago's match against Columbus. The first 10,000 fans will receive a 10th Anniversary Commemorative poster of the All-Decade team courtesy of Magnum Insurance. During the pregame festivities, the Fire will show video highlights from the All-Decade Team, All-Decade Goals, and All-Decade Games as voted on by fans. The Fire will also honor its Most Dedicated Fan on field during halftime. Former players Lubos Kubik, Manny Lagos and Josh Keller will be in attendance to help the Fire celebrate. For more information, visit the Chicago Fire's Game Day Experiences page at www.chicago-fire.com.

2009 NEW SEASON TICKET DEPOSITS

Chicago Fire 2009 Season Tickets are now on sale. With a deposit of $200 on new season tickets, individuals will receive one free Cuauhtémoc Blanco autographed picture and one free $50 Best Buy Gift Card. Call 1-888-MLS-Fire for more information.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COMES TO TOYOTA PARK

The first-ever high school football game to be played at TOYOTA PARK will be Friday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. and will feature De La Salle vs. Fenwick. The game will also be Fenwick's Senior Night. Tickets go on sale October 10 at the TOYOTA PARK Ticket Office, both high schools and all Ticketmaster outlets including ticketmaster.com.

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Major League Soccer Stories from October 6, 2008


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