Fire's Ljungberg quickly making impact

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- It is relatively easy to jump on the Freddie Ljungberg bandwagon considering his immediate impact in only three matches with the Chicago Fire.

Ljungberg rapidly is becoming a welcome addition to the organization, and his most recent efforts helped Chicago top the New England Revolution, 2-1, on Wednesday. The 33-year-old designated player had a falling out with Seattle Sounders FC. But whatever went wrong on the west coast, Ljungberg appears to have found his stride already in Chicago.

Ljungberg's work rate, vision, offensive push and overall soccer experience were sorely needed. And the sense of admiration for the former Arsenal midfielder is evident in the locker room and on the pitch.

"He's got kind of a fiery personality, and it's good. It's what we need," Fire midfielder Peter Lowry said shortly after Ljungberg's arrival. "We kind of need a kick in the [butt]. I used to watch the old Arsenal teams on TV, and it was fun to watch him play. You try to learn from what he does and soak in as much as possible."

For more, visit ESPNChicago.com.

Fire's Carr returns, nets winner over Revs

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- Chicago Fire forward Calen Carr made his return a memorable one.

Carr netted a game-winning goal in the 85th minute as the Fire defeated the New England Revolution, 2-1, on Thursday in front of 14,056 at Toyota Park. The match was Carr's first since a scoreless draw between the host Revs and the Fire on Oct. 17, 2009.

Carr injured his quad at the end of this year's preseason when the team was in Mexico. But he slowly but surely has battled his way back, and Carr's goal gave the Fire (6-5-6) three well-deserved points against Eastern Conference foe New England (6-10-3).

"It's been a tough road where my quad would feel better, then it would feel worse, and then better, then worse," Carr said. "I finally broke through the barrier and I've been training for some weeks now. I feel great."

The front line made an aggressive run upfield during Carr's goal. Freddie Ljungberg fueled the attack and fed to Carr who surged ahead and cut to his right toward the middle of the pitch. He hit a low shot from just outside of the box and drove the ball past Revs goalkeeper Matt Reis, finding the left side of the goal for the game-winner.

"[Ljungberg] got the ball and I just drifted out wide to the left," Carr said. "I cut inside, and was originally going to go to the far post and saw the defender coming. So I decided to come back across the face of the goal. The rest ... thankfully it went in."

For more, visit ESPNChicago.com.

Red Stars, Freedom battle in critical tilt

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- The Chicago Red Stars (5-9-6, 21 points) cap off the road portion of their regular season when they travel to Boyds, Md., to face the Washington Freedom (5-8-7, 22 points) in Women’s Professional Soccer action at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Maryland SoccerPlex.

The match will stream live on www.CSNWashington.com.

With only first-place FC Gold Pride having qualified for the postseason heading into the week, Thursday’s match is critical for Chicago and Washington. The Freedom currently is tied for fourth place with Sky Blue FC, and the Red Stars are one point behind both squads in sixth place. The top four regular-season teams qualify for the WPS playoffs.

“We’re hoping for a six-point swing,” Red Stars Head Coach Omid Namazi said. “The team is aware of that, and hopefully we’ll come out and perform.”

For more, visit ChicagoRedStars.com.

Red Stars sign former ND defender Shaner

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- The Chicago Red Stars of Women's Professional Soccer today announce the signing of defender Christie Shaner to a developmental contract. Per team policy, terms of her agreement are not released.

The move coincides with a recent slew of injuries to the Red Stars' defense and midfield, including center defender and captain Kate Markgraf, who is listed as questionable for Thursday's match at the Washington Freedom because of a concussion injury.

"It's basically an emergency situation, and we're going to bring Christie in right away," Red Stars Head Coach Omid Namazi said. "She has experience in this league, she has height and physicality to her play. It's basically a stop-gap situation and we're going to throw her into the mix."

Shaner will be available for selection on Thursday and will wear a No. 5 jersey.

For more, visit ChicagoRedStars.com.

Segares eases into return, Fire host Revs

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- The Chicago Fire's designated player signings of Nery Castillo and Freddie Ljungberg craved so much attention. But Fire defender and Costa Rica native Gonzalo Segares will prove to be an equally important addition for Chicago in this second half of the MLS season.

Segares, who had been playing for Greek Cypriot club Apollon Limassol, also should be the smoothest transition among Chicago's recent signings.

The Fire host the New England Revolution on Wednesday at Toyota Park, and Segares returns less than a year removed from his previous MLS season.

"I always thought about coming back to MLS, especially coming back here to Chicago," Segares said. "I always wanted that. It was quicker than expected, but I'm glad to be back."

Segares likely will return to his customary left defensive back slot that Fire fans are used to watching. But if Fire head coach Carlos de los Cobos wants to tinker with a few things, Segares is willing to move toward the center, too.

"If he wants me to play center back or left back, I've really got no problem with that. I'm used to both positions," Segares said. "On the [Costa Rica] national team I used to play as a center back, and here I'm more as a left back. I don't think I'd have trouble getting used to that. It's just one or two days in the position and I'll be fine."

For more, visit ESPNChicago.com.

Fire sign Bolingbrook native Pineda

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- The Chicago Fire signed Bolingbrook native and Plainfield East High School product Victor Pineda as the organization's first homegrown player.

The 17-year-old Pineda will be available for selection for Wednesday's match against the New England Revolution at Toyota Park.

"Victor is a talented, technical midfielder who has a bright future with the Fire," Fire technical director Frank Klopas said in a release. "His addition to the first team is representative of the Fire's commitment to the future and to our player development system."

For more, visit ESPNChicago.com.

Vandenbergh named to Red Stars' 1st team

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- The Chicago Red Stars of Women's Professional Soccer announce today the move of defender and midfielder Lydia Vandenbergh to the organization's first-team roster. Per team policy, terms of her contract are not released.

Vandenbergh has spent the 2010 season as a developmental player for Chicago, playing in three matches (one start) and logging 109 minutes.

"I think her versatility is her biggest asset," Red Stars Head Coach Omid Namazi said. "She's able to play in the midfield and on the left side as a defender, and that gives us different options where we can be flexible with where she plays. She's a steady player who doesn't make a lot of mistakes, and she's a calming influence."

Read more at ChicagoRedStars.com.

Red Stars vs. Independence highlights

Highlights from the Chicago Red Stars' 2-1 loss to the Philadelphia Independence on Wednesday.