MLS Chicago Fire FC

Razov Goes Under the Knife...Again

Published on January 6, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


Fire forward Ante Razov underwent successful arthroscopic surgery last Thursday on his left ankle to remove inflammation and scar tissue from repeated ankle injuries. The team's physician, Dr. Preston Wolin, performed the surgery at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago. The Fire's all-time leading scorer will be ready to join the team during the latter stages of preseason. The ankle injury coincides with Razov's shoulder injury, which was repaired in December.

Selolwane on the Shelf

Fire forward Dipsy Selolwane fractured his fibula and dislocated his ankle playing in charity game in his homeland of Botswana. The pacey forward underwent surgery in Botswana for his fibula and was treated for his ankle, but will not be in Chicago until the end of the month. His status is currently unknown until team physician, Dr. Preston Wolin evaluates him when he returns.

Sarachan Retains Coaches

New Fire Head Coach Dave Sarachan has decided to retain the services of assistant coaches Denis Hamlett, Daryl Shore, and Tom Soehn. The trio assisted former boss Bob Bradley for the past two seasons.

"After spending time with all three assistants, it was clear that all of them expressed a desire to stay with the Fire," said Sarachan. "I feel that each one has a lot to offer the team on the field, as well as their sense of loyalty and pride of what has been started in Chicago. For me as a transition it is a natural progression for the staff to remain. I sense that we will have a great working relationship."

Wilt Named Person of the Year

Fire General Manager Peter Wilt was bestowed with the honor of being named the Daily Herald's Naperville Person of the Year. The venerable GM introduced the Fire to Naperville last year as a temporary solution until Soldier Field is renovated. The article tracks the highs and lows of the season for Wilt and includes interviews with Naperville Mayor George Pradel and resident Jane Solomon. The only GM in team history, Wilt was named to the position in 1997.

Beasley and Bocanegra with USNT

Fire midfielder DaMarcus Beasley and defender Carlos Bocanegra are currently training with the United States National Team in Bradenton, Florida. The team is preparing for its first match of the season when it takes on Canada on Sunday, January 18 at 6:30 p.m. CT from Lockhart Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The game will be available via pay-per-view courtesy of Setanta Sports.

Hot Ticket

The Chicago Fire has put season tickets on sale with a return to Cardinal Stadium at North Central College in 2003, while the renovation of Soldier Field continues. The Fire also announced that it is holding the line on individual ticket prices with the exception of a $2 increase on the south end reserved FireHouse seats. The range of ticket prices will continue to be $15 for the general admission Supporters Section to $35 for the VIP Gold.

Discounts up to $3 per ticket are available for season and group purchase for the Fire's 15-game MLS regular season, plus any additional Open Cup, exhibition and playoff matches. Season ticket prices per game will range from $12 per game for the Fire's "Supporters Section" to $32 for the "VIP Gold" section.

Etc.

* Fire Head Equipment Manager David Kammarman has stepped down from his position with the organization. The Fire has hired the services of Charles Raycroft from D.C. United to step into the position.

* Fire defender/midfielder Kelly Gray has been named as a finalist for the Federation's coveted Young Male Athlete of the Year. Online voting ends today at www.ussoccer.com. The Fire's DaMarcus Beasley was bestowed with the honor last year.

* In its effort to continue providing Chicagoland's youth community with opportunities on and off the field, the Chicago Fire announced last week an innovative partnership with Heritage YMCA of Naperville, IL. The purpose of the partnership is to help grow the sport of soccer and provide opportunities for participation of youngsters throughout the Naperville/Aurora area.

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Major League Soccer Stories from January 6, 2003


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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