MLS Chicago Fire FC

Fire Looks For Best Start in History on Saturday

Published on May 9, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CHICAGO, IL (Friday, May 9, 2003) - The Chicago Fire (1-0-2) will look to keep its record spotless when it takes on the San Jose Earthquakes (3-0-1) in a clash of MLS's lone undefeated teams at Cardinal Stadium at North Central College in Naperville, IL at 7:30 p.m. CT. The match will mark the Fire's first home contest since its MLS Season Opener nearly one month ago on April 13, which the "Men in Red" tied 1-1 against New England.

Fans can capture a moment with their favorite players on Saturday evening, as the Fire will hold "Camera Day" at Cardinal Stadium before the match versus San Jose. Gates to the stadium will open early at 5:30 p.m. and fans will be able to step on the field and strike a pose with the "Men in Red." Saturday will also be the first chance for Fire fans to support the children of Iraq by giving soccer balls and other equipment to the "Iraqi Aid" donation drive. Fans can drop off their equipment at the Fire Information Tent by the main gate at Cardinal Stadium.

Schedule Change

The Fire has announced its road contest at Colorado, originally scheduled for Saturday, September 27, has been changed. The game will now be played on Wednesday, October 1 at 8:30 p.m. CT at Invesco Field. The match will be broadcast live by Fox Sports Net.

Sarachan's Sizzling Start

Fire Head Coach Dave Sarachan didn't take long to make his mark in the MLS record books. With his club's 1-0-2 start, Sarachan is one of only seven head coaches in the history of MLS to begin their managing career undefeated through their first three contests. Sarachan joined current MLS coaches Ray Hudson (D.C. United) and Steve Nicol (New England) and former coaches Bora Milutinovic and John Kolalski in a group of managers that have carried points out of their first three games at the helm. Only Lothar Osiander (12 wins with Los Angeles in 1996) and Tom Fitzgerald (8 wins with Columbus in 1996) had better starts to their careers.

Razov: Reloaded

Chicago Fire forward Ante Razov has battled injuries, surgeries and suspensions during the last six months, but he now appears ready to reclaim his usual position at the top of the Fire attack. After serving a three-game suspension for an incident in last season's MLS Cup quarterfinals against New England, Razov will be available for selection by Fire Head Coach Dave Sarachan for the first time in 2003 when Chicago takes on San Jose on Saturday. The Fire's all-time leading scorer has shaken the rust off by performing in a pair of exhibition matches in the past week, in which he has tallied three goals in three halves of work.

Fire Busy for Club and Country

Fire midfielders Chris Armas and DaMarcus Beasley and defender Carlos Bocanegra may be taking a few more Gatorade breaks than normal tomorrow against the Earthquakes. The Fire trio will be serving double duty this weekend after going the full 90 minutes for the U.S. National Team in its 0-0 stalemate against Mexico on Thursday evening in Houston, TX. The duty continues next week as Beasley, defender Kelly Gray, midfielder Logan Pause and forward Nate Jaqua have been named by U.S. U-23 National Team coach Glen "Mooch" Myernick to the 18-man roster that will face Mexico in a younger rematch of the CONCACAF rivalry next Wednesday, May 14 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Quick Hits vs. San Jose

* The "Men in Red" lead the all-time regular season series against San Jose by a slim 6-5-3 margin. The Fire has taken points out of all but one home contest versus San Jose by earning a 4-1-2 home record against the 'Quakes in Chicagoland, including a 1-1 draw last year on May 26 at Cardinal Stadium.

* Razov's return is well-timed, as he has boded well against San Jose in his career. The Fire's all-time leading scorer has notched 14 points on five goals and four assists in 12 contests against the 'Quakes in a Fire uniform.

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