WASHINGTON, DC (July 30, 2008) USSoccerPlayers -- Brian McBride is now officially a member of the Chicago Fire. McBride returns to Major League Soccer after four and a half seasons in England with Fulham.
“I am excited to be joining the Chicago Fire for many reasons,” McBride said. “One of the most important of those is Chicago is my hometown. I have a great desire to win championships and hope to do so with the Fire. I am definitely looking forward to my future with the Fire.”
McBride is currently with the US Olympic Team preparing for the Beijing Games. He played the first half in today's 0-0 draw with the Ivory Coast in Hong Kong.
Chicago got the rights to McBride by trading Chad Barrett and a first round 2009 SuperDraft pick to Toronto.
“First, I would like to thank all parties involved in getting this done,” said Toronto manager Mo Johnston. “The real winners in this deal are MLS, the Chicago Fire, Toronto FC, and Brian McBride. The Fire has brought back a wonderful striker and we’re getting in return, a promising young striker – as well as a first round draft pick. It was important that we received the number one pick in this deal, and hopefully it will serve us well in the future.”
In other Fire news, the club has agreed to a loan deal with CSD Municipal for the services of Guatemalan U-23 midfielder Marco Pappa. He is available immediately.
“We’re getting a young player who has excellent speed, defends well, and has been around a great soccer atmosphere with a very successful club,” Chicago technical director Frank Klopas said.
