CHICAGO FIRE HEAD TO THE GREAT WHITE NORTH TO BATTLE THE IMPACT
The Chicago Fire (2-4-1, 7 points) take on the Montreal Impact (4-1-1, 13 points) at Stade Saputo in Montreal, Quebec on Saturday, April 27 at 3:00 p.m. CT (NBC Sports Network/La Ley 107.9 FM).
This is the first of three meetings between the two squads this season. The Fire will host the Impact in the second and third legs of the series on Saturday, Aug. 10 and Saturday, Sept. 28.
The two squads met twice during the 2012 season. The Fire battled back and used a 71st minute Dominic Oduro equalizer to earn a road point in front of a record-setting crowd of 58,912 in Montreal’s MLS debut at Olympic Stadium March 17. In the home leg, Alvaro Fernandez, Sherjill MacDonald and Alex scored as the Fire rallied and defeated the Impact 3-1 at Toyota Park Sept. 15.
The Impact, who had a bye this past weekend, most recently played the Columbus Crew to a 1-1 draw at Stade Saputo April 14. The Impact face Toronto FC on Wednesday, April 24 in the Amway Canadian Championship tournament at BMO Field on Wednesday, April 24.
CHICAGO FIRE TRAINING SCHEDULE: April 22 – April 29
Monday, April 22: Training 10:00 a.m. CT^
Tuesday, April 23: Training 10:00 a.m. CT^
Wednesday, April 24: Off
Thursday, April 25: Training 10:00 a.m. CT^
Friday, April 26: Travel to Montreal
Training at Centre Claude Robillard – 4:00 p.m. CT
Saturday, April 27: Chicago Fire vs. Montreal Impact – Stade Saputo – 3:00 p.m. CT – NBC Sports Network/107.9 La Ley
Sunday, April 28: Return to Chicago
Monday, April 29: Off
Training will take place on the Toyota Park Practice Field unless otherwise noted
^Times are approximate and subject to change. Fire players and coaches will be made available following training. Please contact the Chicago Fire Communications Department for updated times and locations. Please contact Eunice Kim for media requests.
CHICAGO FIRE vs. Montreal Impact
·The Fire hold a 1-0-1 all-time regular season record against the Impact, including a 0-0-1 record in matched played in Montreal.
·This will be the first match for the Fire at Stade Saputo.
·The Impact are 2-0-1 at Stade Saputo this season.
·Impact midfielder Justin Mapp spent seven seasons with the Fire. Acquired in a trade from D.C. United on Dec. 26, 2002, Mapp made 174 regular season appearances from 2003 to 2010, winning the Supporters Shield in 2003 and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2003 and 2006. Mapp was also a MLS All-Star in 2005 and was named to the MLS Best XI in 2006.
·Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush and midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic are products of the Chicago Fire PDL system. Both players were part of the 2006 Chicago Fire PDL side that took the Great Lakes Division crown with a 14-2-0 regular season record.
CHICAGO FIRE EARN LATE 1-0 VICTORY OVER COLUMBUS CREW
The Chicago Fire defeated long-time Eastern Conference rivals Columbus Crew Saturday evening at Toyota Park. Midfielder Jeff Larentowicz scored his first goal in a Fire shirt, tallying the only goal of the match in the 83rd minute to give the Fire the 1-0 victory.
After a scoreless first half, the Fire started the second with renewed vigor. In the 55th minute, Patrick Nyarko won the ball on the midfield line, spun his defender and headed towards goal. The fleet-footed Ghanaian found Chris Rolfe at the top of the 18 but the Kettering, Ohio native’s left-footed shot went just wide.
In the 74th minute, Estonian international Joel Lindpere whipped in a corner kick that was headed out by Marshall. The clearance fell to Nyarko, who drove in a cross to a rising Austin Berry but his snap header was saved from crossing the line at the last second by Gruenebaum.
The Fire’s offensive pressure would pay dividends in the 83rd minute. Defender Jalil Anibaba sent a long throw to Berry, who flicked the ball on for Larentowicz at the top of the penalty box. The Philadelphia, Penn. product nodded the ball past Gruenebaum to give the Fire the 1-0 lead.
Deep into stoppage time, the Crew won a free kick 40 yards form goal. Federico Higuain whipped in a free kick that found Chad Marshall, but his header went just wide of Sean Johnson’s goal.
CHICAGO FIRE TO HOST THIRD ANNUAL ART OF FUTBOL EVENT
The Chicago Fire Soccer Club will showcase artwork from Chicagoland artists who submitted original pieces that celebrate the beautiful game of soccer at the Third Annual Art of Futbol event at the Society Art Gallery (2140 W. Fulton Street, Chicago, IL 60612) on Thursday, May 16 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. CT.
Hosted by the Chicago Fire Foundation, the club put out a call to Chicagoland artists looking for original works that celebrate the game of soccer and everything it represents. Soccer is a game that permeates all aspects of our city, encompassing varied views and opposing opinions. The Art of Futbol provides an opportunity for artists to share their vision with the local community.
Tickets for the event, which start at $25 and benefit the Chicago Fire Foundation, can be purchasedhere.
CHICAGO FIRE SEASON AND INDIVIDUAL TICKETS ON SALE
Individual single game tickets for the club’s 16th MLS season at Toyota Park are now on sale.
One of the most affordable live events in the Chicagoland area, single game ticket prices start as low as $20 and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.
Season Tickets are also available by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE, via Ticketmaster or by heading to the club’s official website at www.Chicago-Fire.com.
