Chicago Fire – weekly notes.
When playing for the first time against expansion teams, the Men in Red are 5-2-1 all-time, tallying 16 goals and conceding 11. The Fire last defeated an expansion side on June 5, 2010 when they used goals from Baggio Husidic and Marco Pappa to down the Philadelphia Union 2-1 at TOYOTA PARK.
The Fire enter Saturday’s fixture coming off a 1-1 draw with the defending MLS Cup Champion Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday, April 30. Wearing the captain’s armband in the injury absence of Logan Pause, Guatemalan midfielder Marco Pappa notched his third goal of the season off a feed from Dominic Oduro in the 43rd minute. The Fire were forced to settle for a draw though after Andre Akpan’s snuck through the backline to finish past Jon Conway in the 50th minute.
The Fire face another difficult test to begin the month of May when the Whitecaps come to TOYOTA PARK Saturday. The Fire have been very successful at home against first-year MLS teams, going 4-0-3, while scoring 15 goals and conceding eight.
Historically, the Fire had a lot of success against MLS expansion sides in their first year, holding a 9-4-4 all-time record against first-year teams.
With Diego Chaves’ goal vs. Houston on April 23, the Chicago Fire sit on 99 regular season goals scored at TOYOTA PARK.
Marco Pappa, the club’s 2010 leading scorer with seven goals has already tallied three in seven matches this season. With Chaves’ four goals, the two have combined for seven of the 10 goals the team has recorded thus far this season.
Both teams enter Saturday’s first matchup riding winless streaks. The Fire haven’t won in five matches (dating back to the 3-2 win vs. Sporting KC on March 26) while Vancouver has failed to win since their inaugural MLS match, a 4-2 victory over Toronto FC on March 19.
CHICAGO FIRE TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF KABIRU ADEWUNMI SATURDAY AGAINST VANCOUVER
“The Chicago Fire Soccer Club is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Kabiru Adewunmi,” said Chicago Fire President Julian Posada. “Losing a young man, and member of our player development program, to a random act of violence weighs heavily on our entire club. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kabiru’s family, friends and Chicago Fire Juniors – North teammates during this difficult time.”
The Nigerian born defender was gunned down on Chicago’s South side last Tuesday, after celebrating the Chicago Bulls playoff win over the Indiana Pacers.
To honor his memory the club plans to hold a moment of silence prior to Saturday’s match vs. Vancouver.
CHICAGO FIRE TO PLAY MANCHESTER UNITED AT SOLDIER FIELD AS PART OF WORLD FOOTBALL CHALLENGE
Tickets for the Chicago Fire – Manchester United match at Soldier Field will go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, May 3 at 10:00 a.m. CT by calling 1-888-MLS-Fire, Chicago-Fire.com or via Ticketmaster. The Fire will take on the English Premier League leaders and UEFA Champions League Semifinalists at Soldier Field on Saturday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. CT as part of the World Football Challenge.
The Chicago Fire v. Manchester United match is included in the Fire’s Full Season Ticket Holder plan as Bonus Game Two. Supporters can immediately purchase a ticket for the Chicago Fire – Manchester United match by purchasing full Chicago Fire Season Tickets by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE (657-3473) or by heading to the club’s official website at Chicago-Fire.com. Fire Season Ticket Holders will receive an in-kind number of seats at Soldier Field and be given the opportunity to upgrade and/or purchase additional tickets.
Led by Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United is one of the most recognized clubs in the world, lifting a total of 18 English Premier League titles, four Carling cups, three European Cups and a record 11 FA Cups. In 1999, United were the first team to win the Treble (English Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League) in one season. Founded in 1878, the Red Devils have competed in the top division of English soccer since 1938, with the exception of the 1974-1975 season. United currently sit atop the Barclay’s English Premier League table with 73 points through 35 games and are close to capturing a record 19th English Premier League title.
MLS W.OR.K.S./The Home Depot Community Launches
The MLS W.O.R.K.S./The Home Depot Community MVP Contest will launched League-wide on April 29 in all 18 MLS markets, giving fans throughout the League an opportunity to nominate themselves or individuals who go above and beyond to make a difference in their community.
One (1) winner will be selected to represent each MLS market (18 total winners) and will receive local* recognition at a home game during the 2011 season, and national recognition during halftime at the 2011 AT&T MLS All-Star game at Red Bull Arena on July 27.
One (1) grand prize winner will also be selected to receive a $10,000 donation to their charity of choice. The voting process will take place during a two week window (July 8-22) and the winner will be announced during the recognition ceremony at All-Star (further details to follow).
Nominate your Community MVP by visiting http://www.mlssoccer.com/communitymvp by June 24.
Text and photo: Chicago Fire Communications