We collect the top Chicago Soccer news in case you missed it.
This issue: Red Bulls New York vs. Chicago Fire, 2011 MLS Jerseys, Chicago Fire's new front line, 2011 Kickoff luncheon, Chicago Riot Indoor Soccer, multiple interviews with technical director Frank Klopas, Fire finish their time in Ave Maria, and more!
Details and links after the break...
Ave Maria
Chicago Fire Heads Home; Hopes to Return Next Year
Most coaches and players for the Major League Soccer Chicago Fire had never heard of Ave Maria before they started training in town two weeks ago. Now that they've been [there], though, they hope to be back every spring.
Frank Klopas/PreSeason Roster
Klopas Speaks on PreSeason and More - Fire Confidential
Guillermo Rivera gets technical director Frank Klopas to spill some details on a true #10, expectations for Puerari and Chaves, 2011 designated player hopes, Anibaba and Pantazopoulos, homegrown players, and Marko Babic rumors.
Fire’s Klopas optimistic with team’s chemistry - DailyHerald.com
Confidence. Attitude. Chemistry. Effort. Words the Fire hopes to live by in 2011.
Frank's High Hopes | Chicago Fire Soccer Club
Klopas optimistic with team’s chemistry
Late Returns: Updated Chicago Fire Pre-Season Roster & Background - Hot Time In Old Town
Hot Time In Old Town takes the latest cuts and additions and gives you an updated look at the camp talent remaining in front of De Los Cobos.
Fire roster remains work in progress -
Though the Fire will conclude the Florida portion of preseason training today with a match against the Seattle Sounders, technical director Frank Klopas still is reluctant to assess the 33 players in camp, but Barouch and Anibaba stand out. Orr Barouch is on loan from Tigres, and the Fire has the option of buying his contract. Klopas called the terms for negotiation “very reasonable.’’ Klopas already has acquired more experienced Uruguayan strikers Gaston Puerari and Diego Chaves. Chaves still is rounding into shape, but he is expected to be available against Seattle. Still, even with those additions and Barouch’s big game, Klopas isn’t settled at forward. He had planned to use his last two roster spots for foreign players on a midfielder and defender — but now, he’s going to use one on still another forward.
Fire banking on new front line - Chicago Fire Blog - ESPN Chicago
The Fire's new front line gets to work in Wednesday's preseason twin bill.
Business
MLS 2011 Jerseys Unveiled: 'Cleanliness' and Conformity Reign -- Soccer FanHouse
The vast majority of today's MLS uniforms appear to be the work of clubs and a manufacturer (adidas) so desperate to avoid those early pitfalls that they that wind up sacrificing almost all originality, flourish and color. They claim to be going after a "clean and classic" look. But what we're left with is, largely, a collection of plain, monochrome jerseys and uniforms that render many clubs nearly indistinguishable from each other. The league's 2011 jersey catalog features 11 white shirts, and three more with white stripes/hoops (Here are the 2010 uniforms). At least five clubs will have a game uniform with red jerseys, red shorts and red socks, and there's plenty of blue/blue/blue and black/black/black as well. Only a handful of teams have the courage to deviate.
2011 Kickoff Luncheon | Chicago Fire Soccer Club
VIDEO: Watson-Siriboe, Nyarko discuss Season Kickoff Luncheon
Amy Freeze To Emcee Kickoff Luncheon | Chicago Fire Soccer Club
Renowned meteorologist to introduce 2011 Fire
From the Players
QuickFire: Daniel and Baggio | Chicago Fire Soccer Club
VIDEO: Paladini, Husidic answer QuickFire questions.
Catching Up With Marco | Chicago Fire Soccer Club
VIDEO: Pappa discusses off-season
Riot
Chicago Riot: Fledgling indoor soccer team has goal of surviving - chicagotribune.com
As season winds down before sparse crowds, Riot prepares and hopes for Season 2