MLS Chicago Fire FC

Fire Acquires Orlando Perez from D.C. United

Published on July 18, 2002 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


Chicago (Thursday, July 18, 2002) - The Chicago Fire executed a trade with D.C. United today, acquiring defender Orlando Perez from United in exchange for the Fire's natural second round pick in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft. The Fire's newly acquired defender will report to training tomorrow at Lake Forest and will be available for this weekend's match against his former team. In a related transaction, the Fire also waived Ukrainian forward Aleksey Korol to stay within MLS' roster guidelines.

"I am very happy about the trade," said Perez. "I was aware they were trying to get me, since I was with the MetroStars and I am excited to join Chicago. I think it will work out for my career. My wife has family in Chicago, so that is a plus. I am looking forward to meeting the guys and gelling with the team."

Perez originally entered MLS when the MetroStars selected him in the fourth round (48th overall) of the 2000 MLS SuperDraft. The Pomona, CA native joined DC United from the Metros on May 9 with midfielder Petter Villegas, after playing in two games, in exchange for midfielder Mark Lisi and defender Craig Ziadie. The quick-footed defender appeared in eight games for DC starting one logging 268 minutes. In 2001, he played a career-high 24 games, making 21 starts, while logging 1,948 minutes for the MetroStars in helping it to the MLS Cup Playoffs. After being drafted in 2000, Perez contributed to 15 games for the MetroStars Eastern Division championship by helping solidify a defense hit hard by injuries.

"Orlando is a left-sided defender that gives us more flexibility in our lineup," said Fire Head Coach Bob Bradley. "He is a good passer that will fit into our team very well. We are disappointed that Aleksey Korol's injuries prevented him from showing everything he could do. We hope that he finds a team that will give him an opportunity to further his career."

Korol, a Senior International appeared only once for the Fire totaling 22 minutes in a 3-2 loss at Colorado on July 4. The Indiana product was hampered by bursitis in his left knee, which he suffered prior to the season in training camp. The Fire acquired the pacey forward on January 15 along with 19-year-old Project-40 midfielder Miguel Saavedra from the Dallas Burn for Chicago's sixth round pick in the 2002 MLS SuperDraft. Korol originally entered the league with Dallas as the fifth overall selection in the 2000 MLS SuperDraft after a stellar college career at Indian, where he earned Soccer America's 1999 College Player of the Year honors.

"Aleksey is a first class individual, who had a difficult time proving himself with the Fire due to injuries," said Fire GM Peter Wilt. "We certainly wish him well as he continues his soccer career."

The Chicago Fire returns to MLS action when it hosts three-time MLS Cup champion D.C. United on Saturday, July 20 at Cardinal Stadium at North Central College at 7:30 p.m. CT. The Fire-United game will be available on radio via WBIG AM 1280 (English), WNVR AM 1030 (Polish), and WIND AM 560 (Spanish).

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Major League Soccer Stories from July 18, 2002


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