The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced today that it has reacquired defender Gonzalo Segares. The 27-year-old Costa Rican defender rejoins the Fire on a free transfer after spending six months with Cypriot side Apollon Limassol. Segares will become available for selection by Fire head coach Carlos de los Cobos upon the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Per MLS and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We are excited to have Gonzalo rejoin the Chicago Fire,” said Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas. “Gonzalo is a dynamic and talented player who will make a great addition to the club. We are very happy to welcome him back to the Chicago Fire family.”
CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM GONZALO'S PREVIOUS STAY WITH THE FIRE
Segares began his professional career with the Fire as a third round selection in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft. During his stint with the club from 2005 to 2009, the Costa Rican international scored eight goals and tallied seven assists in 108 matches. While a regular starter during the 2006 season, Segares helped the Fire to the club’s fourth Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. In 2007, Segares was recognized as the Fire Defender of the Year due to his hard-nosed, stingy defensive efforts.
Segares’ consistent performance with the Fire led to his first career appearance with the Costa Rican national team during a friendly match against Honduras on 09/09/2007. Since then, he has become a first team member for Costa Rica, appearing 13 times in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
After departing the Fire in 2009, Segares signed with Apollon Limassol of Cyprus, where he appeared in 12 matches and helped the club to a fourth-place finish in the Cypriot First Division.
Player: Gonzalo Segares
Position: Defender
Height: 5’11” (1.80 m)
Weight: 162 lbs. (73 kg)
Born: October 13, 1982
Hometown: San Jose, Costa Rica
Citizenship: Costa Rican
College: Virginia Commonwealth
Last Club: Apollon Limassol (CYP)
