CHICAGO(March 14, 2015) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced today plans to honor legendary defender Gonzalo Segares in a ceremony when the Fire host the New England Revolution on July 25. Segares ended his 10-year professional playing career last month and now serves as a club Ambassador and Academy coach.
“I’m honored by plans to recognize my contributions to this Club,” said Segares. “Given how strongly I feel for the organization and supporters, I am deeply touched by the gesture and, by hosting the event this summer, I am also able to make arrangements for family and friends to attend from Costa Rica. This will truly be a special occasion.”
MORE: Segares Announces Retirement | Letter to Fire Supporters
Segares was the Fire’s third round selection (35th overall) in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft after a four-year collegiate career at Virginia Commonwealth University. Segares played 231 MLS Regular Season games over ten seasons for the Men in Red, scoring 11 goals and adding 14 assists. The 2007 Chicago Fire Defender of the Year, Segares made 13 postseason appearances for the Fire, scoring the insurance goal in the second leg of the 3-0 win over the New England Revolution Nov. 6, 2008.
Having amassed 264 competitive appearances for the Men in Red, the veteran defender became just the seventh player in club history to surpass the 200 mark with his appearance in a 3-1 win over the Montreal Impact on September 15, 2012.
Segares joined Cypriot club Apollon Limassol on a free transfer in January 2010, where he made 12 appearances, helping Limassol to a third place finish in the 2009-10 Cypriot First Division table before returning to the Fire in August that year.
The San Jose, Costa Rica native made his international debut in an international friendly against Honduras on Sept. 9, 2007 and earned 19 total caps for los Ticos.
