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In an effort to get Alec Kann more playing time, he was loaned to USL - PRO side Charlotte Eagles where he will join fellow Fire loanee Giuseppe Gentile. Kann is in his second year with the Fire after he joined from the Charleston Battery, also in USL - PRO. He has made four reserves appearances this season including two starts so this move is a smart move by the club to get the 23-year-old goalie playing time. The Fire have the option to recall him at any time.
Barouch released, English forward inbound?
The Fire also released forward Orr Barouch. The 22-year-old forward made 37 total appearances for the Fire and scoring 3 goals since he arrived in 2011. This year he played in four reserves games with two of those being starts while scoring three goals. Yallop had never given him much of a look for the first team and this move comes as not much of a surprise. By releasing Barouch, the Fire might be making room for young Tottenham forward Cameron Lancaster.
"@CameronPL: This time next week I'll be on that plane to Chicago "
— Grant Ward (@GrantWard_) June 9, 2014
This tweet started the rumors that he will join Grant Ward on loan with the Fire soon. Then with Ward tweeting back at Lancaster, the move seems even more likely to happen. Cameron Lancaster is a 21-year-old forward who was highly touted coming through the Spurs academy but injuries have slowed him down. He made one Premier League appearance for the Spurs back in 2012. He spent 2011 on loan at Dagenham & Redbridge where he only four appearances. If Lancaster were to join the Fire, it would be interesting to see if he could have an impact on the first team and be able to push Amarikwa and Anangono for playing.
Practice in the Community
It was also announced that the Fire will host their fourth annual Practice in the Community. The practice will take place at Gary and Ortiz Elementary School (3470 W. 31st Street) from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 28th. The fans will get the chance to see the team practice while enjoying free food, music, giveaways and games. After practice, fans will be able to meet some of the players too.
US Soccer viewing parties
U.S. Soccer and the Fire are teaming up to host several viewing parties for U.S. and other World Cup games around the city. All information can be found here. I have attended one of these viewing parties before and are highly recommended if you can attend. Along with the parties, the Fire will launch an advertising campaign in order to reach fans during the World Cup.