Five things you should know about Saturday's game at Philadelphia

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

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Pairing Chris Rolfe, Patrick Nyarko offers Fire scoring hope

Source: Chicago Sun Times

Since Chris Rolfe left the team to play in Denmark after the 2009 season, the Fire’s Patrick Nyarko had long anticipated a reunion with Rolfe, who is the second-leading scorer in club history. But even after Rolfe’s return to the Fire midway through the 2012 season, Nyarko didn’t have much of an opportunity to combine with him on a regular basis. At the time, Nyarko was playing as an outside midfielder and Rolfe as a withdrawn striker. However, in the 1-0 loss to the Philadelphia Union last Saturday at Toyota Park, the two teamed at forward for the first time …

No help on way for offense-starved Fire

Source: Chicago Tribune

Short-handed roster will try to snap shutout streak Saturday

The Fire hope for a more favorable outcome Saturday when they face the Philadelphia Union for the second time in a week.

Saturday's matchup: Fire at Union

Source: Chicago Tribune

TV/radio: 6:30 p.m. Saturday; WPWR-TV Ch. 50; WLEY-FM 107.9.

Beckham might return to MLS -- as an owner

Source: Chicago Tribune

David Beckham could return to the United States as owner of a new club and his advisors have already held talks with Major League Soccer.

Digital, Broadcast Pick week 12 match-ups

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

Looks like we're handing out points like left and right from Wednesday's result.

There are 9 Huge results on tap for the weekend... Who will emerge victorious?

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Fire v Union match preview - again / Forlán to MLS?

Source: Chicago Fire Confiedential by Guillermo Rivera

The Fire did what they had to do in exposing a suspect Philadelphia back line last week and created numerous opportunities to score over the course of last week's match. They only thing they didn't do was finish their chances. On Wednesday night, the Union actually played a decent first half against the Los Angeles Galaxy only allowing a Zac MacMath own goal in a 1-1 stalemate at the break. What happened in the second half of that match was an entirely different story. The Galaxy uncovered gaping holes in the Philadelphia defense en route to a 4-1 laugher. So did the Fire last Saturday afternoon but there was no one laughing at Toyota Park. Chicago will get another opportunity in this game with the Union playing their third match in seven

ADVISORY: Chicago Fire Goalkeeper Sean Johnson To Throw Out First Pitch At Chicago White Sox Game Monday, May 20

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

CHICAGO, Ill. (May 17, 2013) – Chicago Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson will throw out the Ceremonial First Pitch at the Chicago White Sox vs. Boston Red Sox game on Monday, May 20 at U.S. Cellular Field at 7:10 p.m. CT.
 
A Lilburn, Ga. product, Johnson was recently selected by U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann for the upcoming international friendly against Belgium at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on Wednesday, May 29 at 7:00 p.m. CT (ESPN2/UniMas).
 
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Return leg in Philadelphia serves as a homecoming for Fire midfielder Jeff Larentowicz

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. -- For Jeff Larentowicz, Saturday’s game at Philadelphia will be a homecoming.

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Chicago Fire Goalkeeper Sean Johnson Named To U.S. Squad for International Friendly Against Belgium May 29

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

CHICAGO, Ill. (May 16, 2013) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Thursday that goalkeeper Sean Johnson has been selected by U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann for the upcoming international friendly against Belgium at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on Wednesday, May 29 at 7:00 p.m. CT (ESPN2/UniMas).
 
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Chicago Fire Goalkeeper Sean Johnson reacts to U.S. National Team Call-Up

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- As he’s become accustomed to over much of the last year, Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson was recalled to the U.S. Men’s National Team Thursday by Jurgen Klinsmann to take part in the first stage of the side’s summer camp from May 26-30 in Cleveland, Ohio.

“It’s exciting times this summer,” Johnson told Chicago-Fire.com Thursday. “With all the friendlies, qualifiers and Gold Cup coming up, to be part of the team again is great. 

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Fire Forward Quincy Amarikwa hopes to get more time after productive six minutes vs. Philadelphia

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

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Beckham bows out on a high

Source: Chicago Tribune

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - England's best known footballer David Beckham announced his retirement on Thursday after a career laden with trophies and glamour that had a worldwide impact that went way beyond soccer.

Beckham announces retirement

Source: Chicago Tribune

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - England's best known footballer David Beckham announced his retirement on Thursday after a career laden with trophies and glamour that had a worldwide impact that went way beyond soccer.

Fire Forward Quincy Amarikwa Talks Adding a New Dimension to the Match

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

Quincy Amarikwa made his way onto the 2013 Fire roster mainly by earning a late penalty kick in a preseason match vs. San Jose in February.

Having taken the train up from San Diego that day to meet the Fire in their camp base in Ventura, Calif., Amarikwa’s PK win, led to a Jeff Larentowicz finish and gave the Fire a 1-0 victory over the Earthquakes.

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David Beckham announces retirement

Source: Chicago Tribune

LONDON (Reuters) - Former England captain David Beckham announced on Thursday that he will retire from professional soccer at the end of the season.

Fire start bid for U.S. Open Cup on May 28

Source: Chicago Tribune

The Fire open their bid for a fifth Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title on May 28 and could host one or more matches in the tournament's 100th edition.

Fire's USOC third round draw announced

Source: Chicago Fire Confiedential by Guillermo Rivera

US Soccer has released the potential match-ups for the third round of the 2013 US Open Cup tournament after coin flips this morning to determine the pairings. The Fire will play the winner of the match between the Seattle Sounders U-23 (PDL) team and the Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro). That game will be played on May 21 in Charlotte. Should the Eagles win that match, the Fire will travel to Rock Hill, SC on May 28. If the Sounders U-23's win, the Fire will host them at Toyota Park on May 28 in a match starting at

Coin flips, envelopes and slips of paper: How the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup draw was done

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

CHICAGO, Ill. -- I’m a self-admitted soccer nerd and thus, I love numbers and competition draws. This dates back to my memory of being up at 3am one Saturday morning in December 2001 to watch the U.S. Men’s National Team’s World Cup fate for the 2002 FIFA World Cup determined.

So when the U.S. Soccer Federation asked me Tuesday if I’d be interested in serving as an observer for their third round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup draw, I jumped at the opportunity.

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Chicago Fire Begin Quest For Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup May 28

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

CHICAGO, Ill. (May 15, 2013) - The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Wednesday that the Fire will begin the journey for its fifth Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy on Tuesday, May 28 against the winner of the Seattle Sounders U-23 (PDL) vs. Charlotte Eagles (USL-PRO) match scheduled for Tuesday, May 21. The Fire will host the third round match at Toyota Park if the Sounders advance. If the Eagles advance, the Fire will begin Open Cup play on the road at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C.
 
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Seattle man dribbling soccer ball to Brazil dies after being hit by car

Source: Chicago Tribune

OLYMPIA, Washington (Reuters) - A man less than two weeks into a planned journey to dribble a soccer ball from his home city of Seattle to Brazil, the host nation for the 2014 World Cup, died on Tuesday after being struck by a car in Oregon, police and the man's supporters said.

LA Galaxy pursuing trade for Rogers

Source: FOX Sports

Los Angeles Galaxy, Chicago Fire open discussions over possible Robbie Rogers trade.

LA Galaxy purusing trade for Rogers

Source: FOX Sports

Los Angeles Galaxy, Chicago Fire open discussions over possible Robbie Rogers trade.

Rogers deal in the works? - Soumare trade update and more

Source: Chicago Fire Confiedential by Guillermo Rivera

This afternoon, the Fire's President of Soccer Operations Javier Leon acknowledged that talks are ongoing with Robbie Rogers and the Los Angeles Galaxy pertaining to the player's future in MLS. While the Fire would prefer to negotiate a deal with Rogers to play in Chicago the club will continue to listen to offers which would facilitate a move to Los Angeles now that the Galaxy has officially expressed interest in pursuing a trade. "Now that the Galaxy are interested in getting his rights, we need to be able to find a solution for the value that we’d be giving up. If at this moment the Galaxy are going to say they want him, we would expect to get a similar value," said Leon while also citing that acquiring Rogers' rights from Columbus

Chicago Fire in talks with LA Galaxy over Robbie Rogers says President of Soccer Operations Javier Leon

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- The Chicago Fire are in discussions with the LA Galaxy regarding the rights to Robbie Rogers, the club’s President of Soccer Operations Javier Leon confirmed Tuesday.

Rogers began training with the Galaxy two weeks ago and last Sunday said if he returned to MLS, he would prefer to do it near his home base in Southern California.

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ADVISORY: Chicago Fire Host Third Annual Art of Futbol Event

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

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Chicago Fire Reserves fall to Houston Dynamo Reserves 2-0

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

HOUSTON (Tuesday, May 14, 2013) – The Houston Dynamo Reserves defeated the Chicago Fire Reserves 2-0, Tuesday morning, at the Houston Amateur Sports Park. Jason Johnson and Luiz Camargo provided the goals and Erich Marscheider made four saves as the Dynamo Reserves improved to 3-0-0 on the season. With the loss, Chicago falls to 1-3-0.

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Galaxy pursuing trade for Fire's Rogers

Source: Chicago Tribune

The Los Angeles Galaxy have officially contacted the Chicago Fire about a trade for the rights to Robbie Rogers, a top Fire executive confirmed Tuesday.

With 2013 U.S. Open Cup kicking off Tuesday night, Fire look to bring fifth title to Chicago

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- Tuesday night the 100th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament proper kicks off in small venues around the country as 36 mostly amateur teams hope to begin a run towards the coveted Dewar Trophy, the prize for the United States’ longest standing team tournament.

Once tonight’s results are known, things will begin to get very interesting for the Fire as the U.S. Soccer Federation is expected to release the potential pairings for the third round of the competition (where
MLS teams enter) sometime on Wednesday.

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Patrick Nyarko likely to stay up top for Chicago Fire vs. Union Saturday

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – Coming off the team’s bye week earlier this month, Fire head coach Frank Klopas said he and his staff used the time off to experiment with different things up top.

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Messi likely to miss La Liga season finale

Source: Chicago Tribune

MADRID (Reuters) - Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is likely to miss the rest of the La Liga season after tests showed he had aggravated a hamstring injury but he should have recovered in time to captain Argentina in two World Cup qualifiers next month.

Power Rankings: Loss leads to tumble

Source: ESPN Chicago

The move of Patrick Nyarko to forward proved a master stroke against Philadelphia, as he tormented the Union's backline. But finishing was still a problem for Chicago, and Frank Klopas' side was duly punished in a 1-0 loss. Read ESPN's MLS Power Rankings: Week 11

Klopas praises Dilly Duka in return to starting fold on the right

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

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Limited Spots Remain For First Chicago Fire Rec Beachfront Soccer League

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

CHICAGO, Ill. (May 13, 2013) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Monday that limited spots remain for the Chicago Fire Rec Soccer’s first 5v5 Beachfront Soccer League slated to begin on Friday, May 17.
 
This brand new program will take place on an all-purpose arena conveniently located on the shores of North Avenue Beach. Games will consist of two 25 minute halves and will be officiated by a USSF & FIFA certified referree.
 
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Chicago Fire Head To City Of Brotherly Love To Face The Philadelphia Union

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

CHICAGO FIRE TRAVEL TO PHILADELPHIA FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE MATCH WITH UNION
The Chicago Fire (2-6-1, 7 points) head to Philadelphia to take on the Union (4-3-3, 15 points) at PPL Park in Chester, Pa. on Saturday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m. CT (My50/La Ley 107.9 FM).
 
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Union 1 Fire 0 - recap and ratings

Source: Chicago Fire Confiedential by Guillermo Rivera

Looking at the final numbers after the match you'd be hard pressed to explain just how the Fire managed to drop yet another home game against an opponent that they should have been able to beat. Philadelphia came into this match missing two starters on the back line and one of the replacements hadn't played a regular season match since last August. Frank Klopas started Patrick Nyarko up top in a effort to take advantage of that match-up and the strategy worked with one big exception. The Fire didn't finish their chances. It sounds like a broken record at this point but the continued ineptitude in front of the net places pressure on the club to play flawlessly on the defensive end of the pitch. One small mistake or moment of weakness is

Seattle Sounders crush San Jose

Source: FOX Sports

Seattle pounds San Jose, Montreal downs LA

Fire’s loss to Union shows how much team misses Arne Friedrich

Source: Chicago Sun Times

With each passing game, more questions arise as to why the same group of Fire players that led the team to the playoffs last season has been unable to find any continuity in 2013. After the team’s 1-0 loss to the Philadelphia Union on Saturday at Toyota Park, players shrugged their shoulders when asked why they were unable to win a game in which they were the better team in possession. But in his most forthcoming postgame news conference of the season, Fire coach Frank Klopas explained why the team has struggled so much. “One of the things is for …

Quote Sheet: Fire vs. Union

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

Quote Sheet Chicago Fire 0 – 1 Philadelphia Union Toyota Park – May 11, 2013 Read More

Chicago Fire Fall 1-0 To Philadelphia Union

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

CHICAGO, Ill. (May 11, 2013) – The Chicago Fire (2-6-1; seven points) fell 1-0 to the Philadelphia Union (4-3-3, 15 points) Saturday afternoon at Toyota Park. The Fire created 15 shots on goal but fell victim to a 75th minute goal by Union forward Jack McInerney.
 
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Fire let one get away

Source: Chicago Tribune

McInerney's goal lifts Union

The Fire had plenty of chances on Saturday but the visiting Union got the big break.

Should Patrick Nyarko stay up top? Chris Rolfe thinks so

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

The absence of Fire forward Sherjill MacDonald from the team’s lineup sheet Saturday surprised many but came after the Dutch Designated Player came down sick on Friday afternoon.
 
“Yesterday he came in under the weather a little bit and I asked him if he was able to train. He tried but we sent him to see our doctor and he had strep throat.”
 
MacDonald wasn’t just absent from the 18 but from Toyota Park as a precaution to keep his illness from spreading throughout the team.
 
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Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement leaves void in soccer world

Source: Chicago Tribune

The Manchester United manager known as 'Furious Fergie' is stepping down after 26 seasons with the team. Ferguson won a record 13 English Premier League titles.

If Sir Alex Ferguson had stuck with his original plan, today we might be praising his pasta and Chinese noodles rather than his decision to start Robin van Persie over Wayne Rooney.

How life (and death) change Egyptian soccer and its American coach

Source: Chicago Tribune

Bob Bradley, the former U.S. coach once seen as aloof, has become an emotional leader as Egypt's national soccer team moves one win from the final round of World Cup qualifying.

Bob Bradley wasn't looking for an adventure as much as he was looking for a job after being fired as coach of the U.S. soccer team two years ago.

Match Recap: Chicago Fire 0, Philadelphia Union 1

Source: Chicago Fire Official Site

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- The Chicago Fire may have been the more dangerous side on Saturday afternoon, but the Philadelphia Union have one of the hottest strikers in MLS and he proved to be the difference as the visitors took a 1-0 win at Toyota Park.

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Punchless Fire fall 1-0 to Union

Source: Chicago Tribune

Jack McInerney scored his league-leading seventh goal of the season to lead the Philadelphia Union to a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire on Saturday at Toyota Park.

Wigan stuns Manchester City to claim FA Cup

Source: Chicago Tribune

LONDON -- Ben Watson stunned the Wembley Stadium crowd Saturday as the midfielder's goal in stoppage time helped Wigan claim a dramatic 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

Fire Game Day: Scoreless tie vs. Union at half

Source: Chicago Tribune

The Chicago Fire dominated much of their Saturday matinee with Philadelphia but couldn't put anything past Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath through the first 45 minutes as the teams played to a 0-0 halftime deadlock.

Fire Game Day: McDonald sidelined

Source: Chicago Tribune

Forward Sherjill MacDonald was not in the Chicago Fire's official 18-man lineup Saturday, sidelined with a case of strep throat.

Fire v Union match day

Source: Chicago Fire Confiedential by Guillermo Rivera

Starting Line Ups Fire GK Johnson D Thompson, Anibaba, Berry, Segares M Duka, Pause, Paladini, Lindpere F Rolfe, Nyarko Bench: Tornaghi, Videira, Atouba, Bone, Alex, Amarikwa, Santos Union GK MacMath D Gaddis, Soumare, Okugo, G. Farfan M Carroll, Daniel, M. Farfan, Cruz F McInerney, Casey Bench: Konopka. Albright, Kleberson, Torres, Hoppenot, Kassel, Le Toux