The Chicago Fire kicked off preseason training camp at the CIBC Fire Pitch on Monday. The Club’s first week of training will be highlighted by a formal presentation of Head Coach Raphael Wicky on Wednesday, Jan. 22, followed by media availability with the Fire first team and a training session that will be open to the media.
Entering the first week of preseason, the Fire recently acquired Slovenia National Team striker Robert Berić as a Designated Player on Jan. 18 and Academy standout Mauricio Pineda on Jan. 17. Earlier in the offseason, the Club bolstered its midfield by adding former Real Madrid midfielder Álvaro Medrán to its roster.
In addition to the offseason acquisitions, the team’s roster currently includes the return of several key players from the 2019 season, including Costa Rica National Team defender Francisco Calvo, Poland National Team winger Przemysław Frankowski, Dutch defender Johan Kappelhof, U.S. international Djordje Mihailović and 2019 Team MVP and Golden Boot winner CJ Sapong.
Chicago will kick off its 2020 MLS season on the road on Sunday, March 1 against defending MLS Cup Champions Seattle Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field at 2:00 p.m. CT (ESPN). The Fire will officially make its return to Soldier Field on Saturday, March 21 when the team hosts Atlanta United FC in its 2020 home opener at 2:30 p.m. CT (Univision).
Chicago Fire Team Schedule (Jan. 21-26)
Tuesday, Jan. 21
Details: Training at the CIBC Fire Pitch at 10:00 a.m. CT
Media Access: The first 15 minutes will be open to media to capture photos and b-roll. Media availability will take place after training.
Wednesday, Jan. 22
11 a.m. Press conference with Chicago Fire Head Coach Raphael Wicky
11:30 a.m. Media availability with Chicago Fire players
12:00 p.m. Lunch provided for media members
2:00 p.m. Training session (entire session open to media)
Thursday, Jan. 23
Details: Training at the CIBC Fire Pitch at 10:00 a.m. CT
Media Access: The first 15 minutes will be open to media to capture photos and b-roll. Media availability will take place after training.
Friday, Jan. 24
Details: Training at the CIBC Fire Pitch at 10:00 a.m. CT
Media Access: The first 15 minutes will be open to media to capture photos and b-roll. Media availability will take place after training.
Saturday, Jan. 25
Off day
Sunday, Jan. 26
Travel to Tampa, Fla. for preseason training