CHICAGO (May 3, 2023) – Chicago Fire FC today announced that Club alumni Jesse Marsch and Chris Armas will be in attendance at the team’s 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match against St. Louis CITY SC on Tuesday, May 9 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Ill.
The 2023 tournament marks the 20th Anniversary of the Club’s 2003 Cup win, and members of the Fire’s 2003 team, including Marsch and Armas, will be recognized at the match at halftime, along with the 2003 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Trophy. Additionally, Marsch and Armas will participate in a pre-match panel and meet-and-greet with Chicago Fire Season Ticket Members, who will also have the opportunity to be photographed with the 2003 U.S. Open Cup Trophy. Season Ticket Members will not need to RSVP to attend the pre-match event. More details on the event will be shared with members ahead of the Open Cup match.
“We’re excited to welcome Jesse and Chris back to the Club as we celebrate the Fire’s 2003 U.S. Open Cup-winning team,” said Chicago Fire FC President of Business Operations, Dave Baldwin. "As two of our most recognizable alumni, we’re thrilled to have them at the match where they will be highlighted for their contributions to the Club and make a special appearance for our Season Ticket Members. We look forward to hosting more of these events for our fans in the future.”
Tickets for the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match vs. St. Louis CITY SC on May 9 can be purchased through Ticketmaster by clicking here. For more information on the U.S. Open Cup, click here.
Marsch and Armas were both instrumental in the 2003 U.S. Open Cup run for the Fire – along with current Chicago Fire Assistant Coach C.J. Brown, Goalkeeper Coach Zach Thornton, and Vice President of Equity, Alumni Relations and Engagement Evan Whitfield – who defeated the New York/New Jersey MetroStars in the final.
Marsch spent eight seasons with the Chicago Fire from 1998-2005, helping the Club win the 1998 MLS Cup and three U.S. Open Cups in 1998, 2000 and 2003. He also played professionally for D.C. United and Chivas USA and received two caps with the United States Men’s National Team. Following his playing career, Marsch served as head coach for the Montreal Impact and New York Red Bulls, followed by stints as head coach with RB Leipzig of the Bundesliga and most recently with Leads United of the English Premier League.
Armas spent 10 seasons with the Chicago Fire, from 1998-2007, helping the club win the 1998 MLS Cup and four U.S. Open Cups in 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2006. He played internationally for both Puerto Rico and the United States, earning 66 caps. Armas served as head coach for the New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC and served as an assistant coach with both Manchester United and Leeds United of the English Premier League. Armas also played for the Los Angeles Galaxy, where he was drafted in the first round of the MLS Supplemental Draft in 1996.
Following the May 9 match, the Fire will host St. Louis in MLS play four days later on Saturday, May 13 at Soldier Field. Beginning at 12 p.m. CT, the match will serve as the Club’s annual Chicago Sports Day, featuring special appearances from notable alumni from the other major Chicago sports teams, exclusive giveaway items and much more. Tickets for the May 13 match are available for purchase here
