CHICAGO, IL (April 16, 2012) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Monday that the club has reacquired forward Chris Rolfe. The 29-year-old American forward rejoins the Fire after mutually parting ways with Danish Superliga side Aalborg BK, where Rolfe spent the last three seasons. Rolfe will be available for selection by Fire head coach Frank Klopas for the Fire at Toronto FC match at BMO Field on Saturday, April 21 at 2:30 p.m. CT (NBC Sports/97.5 ESPN Deportes). Per MLS and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We are excited to have Chris rejoin the Chicago Fire,” said Fire Head Coach Frank Klopas. “Chris is a proven goal scorer with experience in MLS and abroad. Chris will help us as we push for the MLS Cup Playoffs and we are happy to welcome him back to the club.”
Rolfe began his professional career with the Chicago Fire as a third round selection in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft. During his tenure with the Fire from 2005 to 2009, the Kettering, Ohio native became a mainstay for the Men in Red, scoring 40 goals and tallying 20 assists in 149 games across all competitions. Rolfe helped lead the Fire to the club’s fourth Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2006.
“I’m thrilled to return to Chicago and play for the Chicago Fire,” said Rolfe. “The Fire has always been a special place for me. I look forward to getting in and putting in the work to help the team.”
Rolfe’s performance with the Fire led him to his first cap with the United States national team during a friendly in Scotland on November 12, 2005. Since then he has appeared 10 times and registered one assist for the United States.
After departing the Fire in 2009, Rolfe signed with Danish side Aalborg BK, where he appeared in 32 matches, tallying six goals over the course of three seasons.
Player: Chris Rolfe
Position: Forward
Height: 5’8” (1.73 m)
Weight: 146 lbs. (66 kg)
Born: January 17, 1983
Birthplace: Kettering, Ohio
Hometown: Kettering, Ohio
Citizenship: USA
College: University of Dayton
Last Club: Aalborg BK (DEN)
How Acquired: Signed as a free agent on April 16, 2012
ABOUT CHICAGO FIRE SOCCER CLUB
Founded on the 126th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire on October 8, 1997, the Chicago Fire Soccer Club enters its 15th Major League Soccer season. The Fire won the MLS Cup in its inaugural campaign in 1998 and was crowned champion of U.S. Soccer’s national tournament, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, in 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2006. In June 2006, the Fire moved into its world-class home of TOYOTA PARK, located in Bridgeview, IL. For more information on the Chicago Fire, please visit the club’s official website at www.Chicago-Fire.com.