Harada and Healey to Travel with Chicago Fire to Mexico for Veracruz Friendly This Weekend

Published on August 20, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Crystal Palace Baltimore News Release


August 21st 2008 - Baltimore, MD - Crystal Palace FC USA are pleased to announce that defender/midfielder Shintaro Harada and midfielder/forward Pat Healey have been called up on loan by the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer for their international friendly match against Veracruz in Mexico on Sunday August 24th at 4:00pm.

"Pete [Medd] called me and told me," said an elated Shintaro Harada. "I was more surprised about this news than the other news - I heard two great things in one day!!" he added, referring to the announcement by the league that he had been named to the USL2 2008 All-League First Team. "I'm looking forward to playing with Brian McBride and with Blanco, who I watched in the '98 World Cup." Asked what position he might be asked to play, the former Japan A-League player responded: "I don't mind whether it's defense or midfield, I can play either, whichever they tell me. But I prefer center mid if I'm honest." What does he see in his future? "Of course if they offered me a chance to stay, I would do it. I'm hoping that's what happens, I feel ready for that. I've got the mindset to do it. Whatever happens, it's a great opportunity."

Baltimore native Pat Healey remarked "I was thrilled - it's a big thing. Playing with Blanco and McBride, it's a huge honor. I hope to just go in there and play well. I know it'll be a great crowd down there, it'll certainly be the biggest crowd I've ever played in front of. But I know I'll be able to block it all out and just play the game." He concluded: "They looked at me before in the draft, so if it goes well, it goes well. And if not, I've taken this shot and I'll just wait for another one."

"It's a wonderful honor to be recognized by a team in a higher league," said Palace Co-Manager Jim Cherneski. "Both of them are dynamic players who can play in MLS. They're also wonderful individuals, so I'm just happy to see them be successful. Shintaro is the epitome of a professional - he takes his craft as seriously as one can. His awareness of players around him is second to none. He always has a full picture of the field so he knows where his options are."

Cherneski continued: "Pat is mature beyond his years. He's been the architect of many of our goals this season. His technique in front of goal is excellent and his finishing ability is right up there with the best. He's also very intelligent about getting himself into dangerous positions and his technical ball skills are simply excellent."

"We're really happy for them," Cherneski concluded "and we hope they go in there and light up the competition. We're happy to see both of them get the recognition they deserve."

Veracruz plays in the Primera Division 'A'. They are currently 3-0-1 and in first place in Group 3 of the Primera Division 'A' 2008 Apertura (fall season). The Chicago Fire's current marquee player, Cuauhtémoc Blanco, played with the two-time Mexican League champion in the 2004 Apertura, scoring five goals in 15 games.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 20, 2008


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