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MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Weekly Update

February 27, 2006 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


Spring Training Update: Fire Looking for First Win of Guadalajara Trip; MLS Roster Compliance Date Falls Wednesday

The Chicago Fire remains in search of a first win during the Guadalajara leg of its 2006 preseason schedule following a loss to CD Guadalajara (Chivas) and a draw against a Guadalajara All-Star squad last week. The Fire, who currently holds a record of 4-1-2 in preseason play, will face some tough competition in search of that elusive "W" this week, when the MLS squad will face off against Mexican First Division clubs U.A.G. (Tecos) and Atlas in exhibitions on Tuesday, Feb. 28 and Thursday, Mar. 2, respectively. The day between the scrimmages will be a big one as well, as Wednesday, Mar. 1 marks the compliance date on which all 12 MLS teams must have their rosters down to their 28-man maximum. The Fire will return to Chicago following Thursday's clash against Atlas for a weekend break before kicking off the third portion of its preseason schedule next Monday, Mar. 6 in Southern California.

2006 Chicago Fire Preseason Schedule
Date Opponent Site Score/Time Record
* Preseason Camp #1 - IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL (Feb. 4-17)
2-07 U.S. U-17 National Team IMG Academy - Bradenton, FL 4-0 W 1-0-0
2-11 USASA Select Team IMG Academy - Bradenton, FL 2-0 W 2-0-0
2-11 U. of Central Florida IMG Academy - Bradenton, FL 1-1 T 2-0-1
2-13 Trinidad & Tobago U-21's IMG Academy - Bradenton, FL 1-0 W 3-0-1
2-16 Columbus Crew IMG Academy - Bradenton, FL 3-1 W 4-0-1
* Preseason Camp #2 - Guadalajara, Mexico (Feb. 21-Mar. 2)
2-23 CD Guadalajara (MEX 1) Verde Valle Training Center - Zapopan, MEX 0-4 L 4-1-1
2-25 Guadalajara All-Stars Universidad de Guadalajara - Guadalajara, MEX 0-0 T 4-1-2
2-28 Tecos (MEX 1) Sayula, MEX 11:00 a.m. CT
3-02 Atlas (MEX 1) Atlas Colomos - Guadalajara, MEX 11:00 a.m. CT
* Preseason Camp #3 - The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA (Mar. 6-16)
3-08 MetroStars The Home Depot Center - Carson, CA TBD
3-11 Chivas USA The Home Depot Center - Carson, CA TBD
3-13 Opponent TBD The Home Depot Center - Carson, CA TBD
3-15 Opponent TBD The Home Depot Center - Carson, CA TBD
* Preseason Camp #4 - Jackson, MS (Mar. 20-26)
Exhibition Match (TBD)

Canada Calls on Forward Will Johnson for Wednesday's Friendly at Austria

Fire forward Will Johnson's recent busy schedule with the Canadian Soccer Association continues this week, as the 19-year-old striker has again been called upon by Canada Head Coach Frank Yallop to compete for the nation's senior team. Johnson and the rest of the "Maple Leafs" have arrived in Europe in preparation for Canada's international friendly against Austria this Wednesday, Mar. 1 at Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, Austria (8:30 p.m. local, 1:30 p.m. CT). Johnson, a native of suburban Woodridge, IL, will be looking for his third career appearance for the full Canadian squad after representing the country at both the senior and Under-20 levels in January.

Take a Late Lunch at Watra and Maxum Bar & Grill for Wednesday's USA-Poland Friendly

Need some extra incentive to get out of the office and watch this Wednesday's international friendly between the United States and Poland in Germany? Whether you'll be yelling for the Red, White & Blue or the Red & White, you can join members of the Fire's front office for the game at a pair of establishments on Chicago's southwest side - Watra (4758 S. Pulaski Rd. in Chicago) and Maxum Bar & Grill (10S 626 Kingery Highway in Hinsdale). Kick-off for the contest is 1:00 p.m. CT, but representatives from the Fire will be on hand for pre-game festivities at Watra and during halftime at Maxum with giveaways for fans, who can also sign up to win a new 2006 adidas Fire Jersey and tickets for the Fire's first season at Bridgeview Stadium. For more information on Wednesday's viewing parties, please contact Matt Czaja in the Fire offices at 312-705-7252.

Tickets for Mar. 29 Mexico-Paraguay Friendly On Sale Now; Make it Twice as Nice With Fire's Two-Game Pack

The Chicago Fire and Soccer United Marketing (SUM) have announced that tickets are now on sale for the upcoming Mexico vs. Paraguay international friendly that will take place on Wednesday, Mar. 29 at 8:00 p.m. CT at Solider Field. Tickets for the match between the two 2006 FIFA World Cup contenders can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 312-559-1212 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased by visiting the Fire offices at 980 N. Michigan, Suite 1998 in Chicago, Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT or by visiting www.Chicago-Fire.com. Tickets for the friendly are available for $25, $35, $50 and $60.

In an effort to celebrate the pre-World Cup match between the two Latin American countries, the Fire has introduced a special two-game package that includes tickets to the Mar. 29 friendly as well as a regular season Fire game during the club's inaugural season in Bridgeview. For information on the Fire's two-game package, available now, please call 1-888-MLS-FIRE.

What's Your Priority (Number)? Buy a Fire Full- or Half-Season Ticket Plan Now to Make Our List

The seat selection process for all sections at Bridgeview Stadium for current Fire Full Season and Half Season ticket holders is now underway. Fans can stake their spot on the Fire's growing seat priority list by acquiring a season ticket package for the team's first season at Bridgeview Stadium. Season ticket packages are available now and can be purchased by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE or by visiting www.Chicago-Fire.com. Fans can scout out which seats they would like by checking out the Bridgeview seating chart in the Ticket section at www.Chicago-Fire.com.

Etc.

- While the Fire's first team continues its preseason preparations, the team's official website, www.Chicago-Fire.com, is rounding into form as well. New to the site this week are Fire Head Coach Dave Sarachan's greetings from Guadalajara in his first preseason blog entry and updated photos from the Fire's future home at the corner of 71st & Harlem in Bridgeview. Stay tuned to www.Chicago-Fire.com for all things Fire as the 2006 MLS season draws closer.

- Bridgeview Stadium tours for members of the media are available and can be arranged by contacting the Fire's Media Relations Department at 312-705-7272.

- The Sierra Mist Goal of the Decade contest is in its final week of voting, and while no past blasts from the "Men in Red" made the final cut, fans can cast their votes for the remaining five candidates through next Monday, Mar. 6 by visiting www.mlsnet.com/MLS/mls/awards/2006/goal_of_the_decade. Fans are allowed to vote for their favorite goals up to 10 times a day, so vote early and vote often... it's encouraged! The winner of the Sierra Mist Goal of the Decade will be announced next Tuesday, Mar. 7.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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