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MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Welcome Expansion Vancouver Whitecaps to Toyota Park for First Time Saturday

May 2, 2011 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


The Chicago Fire (1-3-3, 6 points) return to the Windy City this week to take on the expansion Vancouver Whitecaps (3-3-0, 9 points) at TOYOTA PARK on Saturday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. CT. Dan Kelly and Evan Whitfield will call the action live on Comcast SportsNet Chicago.

When playing for the first time against expansion teams, the Men in Red are 5-2-1 all-time, tallying 16 goals and conceding 11. The Fire last defeated an expansion side on June 5, 2010 when they used goals from Baggio Husidic and Marco Pappa to down the Philadelphia Union 2-1 at TOYOTA PARK.

The Fire enter Saturday's fixture coming off a 1-1 draw with the defending MLS Cup Champion Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Saturday, April 30. Wearing the captain's armband in the injury absence of Logan Pause, Guatemalan midfielder Marco Pappa notched his third goal of the season off a feed from Dominic Oduro in the 43rd minute. The Fire were forced to settle for a draw though after Andre Akpan's snuck through the backline to finish past Jon Conway in the 50th minute.

The Fire face another difficult test to begin the month of May when the Whitecaps come to TOYOTA PARK Saturday. The Fire have been very successful at home against first-year MLS teams, going 4-0-3, while scoring 15 goals and conceding eight.

CHICAGO FIRE vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

* Historically, the Fire had a lot of success against MLS expansion sides in their first year, holding a 9-4-4 all-time record against first-year teams.

* The Chicago Fire have a few ties with the Whitecaps. Vancouver assistant coach Denis Hamlett served as an assistant for the Fire from 1998-2007, before becoming the team's head coach from 2008-09. Veteran midfielder John Thorrington wore Fire Red from 2005-2010, while defender and U.S. international Jay DeMerit played for the inaugural Chicago Fire Reserves (now Chicago Fire Premier) team during the 2001 Premier Development League season.

* With Diego Chaves' goal vs. Houston on April 23, the Chicago Fire sit on 99 regular season goals scored at TOYOTA PARK.

* Marco Pappa, the club's 2010 leading scorer with seven goals has already tallied three in seven matches this season. With Chaves' four goals, the two have combined for seven of the 10 goals the team has recorded thus far this season.

* Both teams enter Saturday's first matchup riding winless streaks. The Fire haven't won in five matches (dating back to the 3-2 win vs. Sporting KC on March 26) while Vancouver has failed to win since their inaugural MLS match, a 4-2 victory over Toronto FC on March 19.

CHICAGO FIRE TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF KABIRU ADEWUNMI SATURDAY AGAINST VANCOUVER

"The Chicago Fire Soccer Club is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Kabiru Adewunmi," said Chicago Fire President Julian Posada. "Losing a young man, and member of our player development program, to a random act of violence weighs heavily on our entire club. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kabiru's family, friends and Chicago Fire Juniors - North teammates during this difficult time."

The Nigerian born defender was gunned down on Chicago's South side last Tuesday, after celebrating the Chicago Bulls playoff win over the Indiana Pacers.

To honor his memory the club plans to hold a moment of silence prior to Saturday's match vs. Vancouver.

CHICAGO FIRE TO PLAY MANCHESTER UNITED AT SOLDIER FIELD AS PART OF WORLD FOOTBALL CHALLENGE

Tickets for the Chicago Fire - Manchester United match at Soldier Field will go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, May 3 at 10:00 a.m. CT 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 7:00 p.m. CT as part of the World Football Challenge.

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.

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 73 points through 35 games and are close to capturing a record 19th English Premier League title.

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.

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.

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Major League Soccer Stories from May 2, 2011


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