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Now It's Officially Official: Fire Trade For Joel Lindpere

Well, until the Fire announced the deal it was speculation. Now it's official. Joel Lindpere is a Chicago Fire player. Now that's a good phrase to hear

By Ryan Sealock

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This is the type of rugged player that looks good in Fire red
This is the type of rugged player that looks good in Fire red
Mike Stobe

The Fire have officially announced the acquisition of Joel Lindpere. For a measly International Spot. Yes, please. Since I talked about this a bit in the Quick Hits piece that just went up. I won't go into a ton of detail here again. This is a fantastic signing. The only question is, how will he be used? What say you Fire fans? DM? Wing? CAM? Here's the official press release from the Fire:

Chicago Fire Acquire Midfielder Joel Lindpere

Estonian Midfielder Joins Men in Red from the New York Red Bulls in Exchange for International Roster Spot

CHICAGO, Ill. (Jan. 4, 2013) - The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Friday that the club has acquired Joel Lindpere from the New York Red Bulls in exchange for a 2013 International Roster Spot. Per team and MLS policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Joel is a versatile, dependable player that has proven himself in MLS," said Fire President of Soccer Operations Javier Leon. "He will provide a dynamic presence to our team in 2013 as we look to return to the MLS Cup Playoffs."

The Estonian International made his professional debut for Estonian Meistriliiga side JK Nõmme Kalju in 1997, scoring 14 goals in just seven games. He also represented Estonian sides Lelle SK, FC Flora and FC Valga. In 2004 he transferred to Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia where he made 11 appearances. From 2007-09, Lindpere scored five goals in 75 appearances for Norwegian side Tromso IL before joining the Red Bulls in 2010.

A product of Tallinn, Estonia, Lindpere made his international debut for Estonia on Nov. 1, 1999 in a friendly against the United Arab Emirates. He scored his first international goal on Feb. 18, 2004 in a 1-0 win over Moldova, and has since scored five goals in 83 total appearances for his country.

The Fire host Opening Day at Toyota Park against the New England Revolution on Saturday, March 9. The Men in Red will begin their 16th season on the road the previous week when they visit two-time defending MLS Cup Champions LA Galaxy at the Home Depot Center on Sunday, March 3.

Chicago Fire Season Tickets and #cf97withdrawals Winter Packs, which give fans the opportunity to witness the Men in Red in action on Opening Day while donning the four Fire hats and four pairs of Fire gloves included in the pack, are available by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE, via Ticketmaster or by heading to the club's official website at www.Chicago-Fire.com.

Name: Joel Lindpere

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 163 lbs.

Date of Birth: October 5, 1981

Place of Birth: Tallinn, Estonia

Citizenship: Estonia (U.S. Green Card holder)

Acquired: Acquired via trade from the New York Red Bulls on Jan. 4, 2013

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 16th 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, Ill. For more information on the Chicago Fire, please visit the club's official website at www.Chicago-Fire.com.

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