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MLS Chicago Fire FC

Fire Trade Jerson Monteiro

September 14, 2007 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (Sept. 14, 2007) - Chicago Fire Soccer announced three player transactions today, in accordance with the League-mandated roster freeze date. The Fire traded forward Jerson Monteiro to D.C. United in exchange for a conditional 2008 MLS SuperDraft pick. The Fire also sent the rights to former Fire defender Leonard Griffin to the Columbus Crew for a natural 2008 fourth round Supplemental Draft pick, while midfielder John Thorrington has been signed and added to Chicago's 28-man roster. Per MLS regulation, terms of the contracts will not be released.

Monteiro, 22, was originally selected by the Fire in the first round of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft as the eighth overall pick and appeared in five league matches (one start), notching a goal in 154 minutes of play. His lone goal came against D.C. on June 16 at RFK Stadium. The forward has seen time in three Reserve Division matches (two starts) with the Fire, totaling 235 minutes. The Luanda, Angola native received his green card earlier this year and will count as a domestic player on D.C. United's roster.

"We decided to let Jerson go because we already have four strikers, and we need to improve on other areas of the team," said Coach Osorio. "Jerson is a good player and we and wish him all of the best in the future."

A four-year starter at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, Monteiro was a three-time All-Conference USA player with the Blazers, named to the first team in 2006 and third team in 2003 and 2005. Monteiro notched 34 goals and 16 assists in 77 collegiate appearances (74 starts). He was UAB's leading scorer during his freshman (eight goals, three assists), sophomore (seven goals, three assists) and senior (14 goals, seven assists). He was the second leading scorer on the team during his junior year, notching five goals.

Griffin, 25, played three seasons (2004-06) with the "Men in Red" after being taken as the 11th overall selection in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft. The UCLA product and NCAA All-American played in 18 games (nine starts) for a total of 825 minutes throughout his time in Chicago. The Pasadena, Calif., native was waived by the Fire during the 2007 preseason and subsequently signed with United Soccer League First Division side Portland Timbers, yet Chicago retained his rights if he were to return to MLS.

After honing his skills for eight years in European soccer circles, midfielder John Thorrington returned stateside in the winter of 2005 to join the ranks of Major League Soccer with the Chicago Fire. Thorrington, 27, was expected to make an immediate impact in the Fire's midfield in his first season with the "Men in Red," but the year would ultimately be graded as an incomplete as he struggled to overcome injuries throughout the season. In 2006, a lingering hamstring injury kept him on the bench for the majority of the season, only appearing in two games. Now healthy, John is expected to add depth to Chicago's right side.

"It is no secret that with the system we play, we need more competition in the outside midfield position. John can compete and play in those positions," said Chicago Fire head coach Juan Carlos Osorio.

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