Soccer fans across North America were treated to a spot of good news on Tuesday, awaking on Groundhog Day to hear that Punxsutawney Phil -- that prognosticator of prognosticators -- saw no sign of his shadow and thus predicted the onset of an early spring.
Whether or not the esteemed long-range meteorologist is accurate, there is no denying the fact that on March 6, just 30 days from Friday, the Chicago Fire will be kicking off the 2016 Major League Soccer season at home vs. New York City FC (1 p.m. CT, CSN Chicago). The match is part of a landmark Opening Day for MLS, with all 20 clubs getting underway over the course of one glorious Sunday afternoon and evening.
So, what is there for Chicago Fire fans to look forward between now and kickoff? Fortunately, plenty. Here’s a rundown of five dates in the month of February for Fire faithful to keep top of mind when counting down the final 30 days to soccer.
Saturday, February 6
Let’s start with…this weekend! After two full weeks of intrasquad preparation, Veljko Paunovic and his staff will lead the Men In Red against outside competition for the first time, lining up for a friendly opposite the University of South Florida. In addition to the eight signed players in camp who’ve yet to play a first team match for the Chicago Fire, Pauno also will be keen to evaluate three unsigned SuperDraft picks (Alex Morrell, Vincent Keller and Vincent Mitchell) and a pair of trialists (midfielder Arturo Alvarez and goalkeeper Matt Lampson) vying for a spot on the roster. Fire fans can make their own evaluations by tuning into Chicago-Fire.com's live online stream from USF’s Corbett Stadium beginning at 4 p.m. CT.
Monday, February 8
Just two days after the squad’s inaugural preseason friendly, the Fire will say hello to a notable trio arriving into Tampa. Goalkeeper Sean Johnson, midfielder Matt Polster and defender Brandon Vincent are expected to arrive Monday in time for an afternoon training session after participating in Jurgen Klinsmann’s U.S. Men’s National Team January camp. As strong and spirited as Pauno’s camp has been to date, the sight of the club’s longest-tenured player, a 2015 MLS Rookie of the Year finalist and a coveted first-round draft pick entering the fold will be a welcome one for Fire supporters.
Sunday, February 21
Rivaling the anticipation for the start of the new-look Fire’s MLS campaign is the excitement building for Copa America Centenario, the star-studded 16-team tournament coming to U.S. soil this June. The tournament’s draw is set to be determined on Feb. 21, airing on Univision at 6:30 p.m. CT. Chicago-area fans already know that the U.S. Men’s National Team (June 7) and a Lionel Messi-led Argentina side (June 10) will be among the teams playing group stage matches at Soldier Field, but the results of the draw will reveal their opponents as well as the featured teams in a third, yet-to-be-determined group stage game at the iconic Chicago venue.
Saturday, February 27
How’s this for a way to get ready for a season-opener? Just over a week away from the real thing, Veljko Paunovic’s side will play its fifth and final preseason game against defending MLS Cup champion Portland Timbers on Portland’s home turf at Providence Park. It’s one last chance to experiment with personnel or iron out the wrinkles before the likes of Villa, Pirlo and Lampard arrive in Bridgeview on March 6. Of course, the Fire also will play preseason tilts against the Vancouver Whitecaps (Feb. 21) and Minnesota United FC (Feb. 24) at Portland’s Simple Invitational, and all three games will stream live on Chicago-Fire.com.
Monday, February 29
Not that you haven’t spent the last four years counting down the days to ‘Leap Day’ 2016, but there’s extra reason to gear up for this year’s occurrence of February 29. It means the arrival of match week for the Chicago Fire and all 20 MLS clubs, putting to end the time for talk and bringing the competition to the forefront. And that means the return of the much-anticipated Season Kickoff Luncheon presented by Magellan Corporation. With preseason in the books, the Men In Red will be on hand at the Hyatt Regency Chicago to meet with supporters and assist in raising funds to benefit the award-winning initiatives of the Chicago Fire Foundation. Be sure to secure your place at one of the can't-miss Chicago Fire events of the year.
So there they are, five February days to help ease the transition to the start of the 2016 Chicago Fire campaign and, with any luck, that early arriving spring.
