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Alex Calabrese

Editor-in-Chief of MIR97 Media

𝕏 LinkedIn Bluesky Chicago, USA
Slonina called up to USMNT for Nations League camp

Slonina called up to USMNT for Nations League camp

Former homegrown Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gaga Slonina was called up to the USMNT's camp today for the CONCACAF Nations League. This represents Gaga's third call-up for a competitive window, following his maiden call in January 2022 and the CONCACAF Gold Cup over the summer. The

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Should the Fire sign Chicharito?

Should the Fire sign Chicharito?

Setting aside Lionel Messi of Inter Miami, there was arguably no bigger MLS signing in the last few years than Javier “Chicharito” Hernández. The ex-Mexican international, who is the all-time leading goalscorer for El Tri, arrived at the Los Angeles Galaxy with much bravado, having been sought after

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Chris Brady's remarkable debut season as #1 is only the beginning

Chris Brady's remarkable debut season as #1 is only the beginning

When Joaquín Torres’ stoppage time blast slipped through Chris Brady’s fingers in the second game of the Fire’s 2023 season, some began to ask questions. It was Brady’s first game as the official #1 goalkeeper and just his second MLS appearance, and despite a strong goalkeeping performance

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MIR97's Chicago Fire End-of-Season Awards 2023

MIR97's Chicago Fire End-of-Season Awards 2023

The 2023 Chicago Fire season has come to an end, so it's time to hand out some end-of-season honors. Last week, MIR97 readers submitted their votes on eight different awards, and throughout the week, we'll be announcing the winners. This story will be updated

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1998 Fire Do the Double: Where are they now?

1998 Fire Do the Double: Where are they now?

25 years ago today, history was made at Soldier Field. The Chicago Fire won their first-ever U.S. Open Cup, defeating the Columbus Crew in overtime to secure a historic double in their debut season. Frank Klopas wrote his name into Fire folklore that night, scoring a 99th-minute

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Kei Kamara made an impact both on and off the field in Chicago

Kei Kamara made an impact both on and off the field in Chicago

Kei Kamara quietly walks into the back of a small movie theater in Waukegan, Illinois. There is not a huge crowd, but they are energized as the then-38-year-old striker entered the cinema. Following a screening of a short film about his journey from war-torn Sierra Leone

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Struck out: New York City FC 1, Chicago Fire 0

Struck out: New York City FC 1, Chicago Fire 0

QUEENS, N.Y. — That’s the ball game. The Chicago Fire’s 2023 season came to an end Saturday in a dry, dull 1-0 loss at Citi Field against New York City FC. The rollercoaster season quietly withered away in the Big Apple, with the Men in Red hopelessly

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WATCH: Chicago Fire at NYCFC Decision Day Preview

WATCH: Chicago Fire at NYCFC Decision Day Preview

It all comes down to this. The Chicago Fire will take on NYCFC tomorrow evening at Citi Field, with an MLS Wild Card spot on the line. The Fire must win (or tie in certain circumstances) and hope results elsewhere go their way to reach the postseason for the first

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Oregel, Casas called up for Pan Am Games

Oregel, Casas called up for Pan Am Games

For the first time in decades, the United States will participate in the Pan American Games soccer tournament. There will be Chicago Fire representation, too, as Sergio Oregel and Javi Casas are set to be a part of the squad. The 18 and 20-year-old midfielders were both named

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Sources: Mihailovic could make Fire return in 2024

Sources: Mihailovic could make Fire return in 2024

Former Chicago Fire homegrown star Djordje Mihailovic could be returning to his hometown team in 2024, sources say. Mihailovic made 73 appearances for the Fire during his four-year stay with the first team and was a part of the last Fire team to make the playoffs in 2017. The

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