MLS Chicago Fire FC

Fire Sign Uruguayan Midfielder Arévalo Ríos

August 14, 2013 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CHICAGO, Ill. - The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Wednesday that the club has signed Uruguayan midfielder Arévalo Ríos from Italian side Palermo. Ríos will be added to the Fire's roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa and will occupy a Designated Player slot. Per club and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Arévalo is a midfielder with a wealth of international experience," said Fire President of Soccer Operations Javier Leon. "He provides another talented option for our midfield and will help us make the push for the second half of the season."

Nicknamed El Cacha, Ríos made his professional debut for his hometown Paysandú Bella Vista in 2000 and went on to appear in a total of 35 matches. In 2002 Rios featured for Bella Vista, scoring six goals across 108 appearances before moving to Peñarol in 2006, where he scored six goals in 29 appearances.

The Paysandú, Uruguay native's career included a stop in Brazil with Botafogo before he joined Tijuana in 2011, where he led the Xolos to the 2012 Liga MX Apertura championship. In July 2012, Rios signed with Italian side Palermo where the right-footed midfielder scored two goals in 27 appearances.

A veteran Uruguayan international who has earned 46 caps for his country, Rios made seven appearances in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, helping Uruguay to a fourth place finish. Named one of the three players over the age of 23-years-old for the 2012 London Olympics, Rios most recently competed in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup where he made three appearances.

The Fire additionally announced Wednesday that the club and forward Sherjill MacDonald have mutually agreed to part ways.

MacDonald signed with the Fire on July 24, 2012 from Belgian club Beerschot AC. The 28-year-old forward scored four goals and tallied five assists in 27 matches for the Men in Red.

Player: Arévalo Ríos

Pronunciation: ah-rey-vah-low ree-yos

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5'6"

Weight: 160 lbs.

Born: January 1, 1982

Place of Birth: Paysandú, Uruguay

Citizenship: Uruguay

How acquired: Signed by the Fire on August 14, 2013

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