The Chicago Fire had a difficult season in 2011, finishing the year with a 9-9-16 record. The team did make a late charge, losing only two of its last 10 games, barely missing the playoffs.
A big part of the team’s reversal of fortune was the acquisition of Mexican international, Pavel Pardo. After joining the Fire last July, Pardo appeared in 14 competitive matches, tallying one goal and five assists while helping the side to the second best regular season finish in club history at 7-2-1.
“Pavel helped kick-start our turnaround at the end of last season,” said Chicago Fire head coach Frank Klopas. “He provides tremendous experience for us in the middle of the park, serves as a great example for our younger players and plays for the badge every time he steps on the field.”
After re-signing with the Fire in the offseason, Pardo hopes to continue to spark the team’s success in 2012, starting with Chicago’s first game of the season on March 17; the Impact’s historical home opener at Olympic Stadium, where over 50,000 supporters will be in the stands.
“It’s going to be amazing to play there,” said Pardo. “I was there before with the national team. We played a qualification game. It’s a beautiful city. This is the first year for the Impact, so it’s going to be a big game for them, but it’s a big game for us too as it’s our first of the season.”
Fire well prepared for Saturday’s game
Pardo is accustomed to playing in big games in front of big crowds, so he knows what to expect and what it takes to win.
“The Chicago Fire is one of the best teams in the league,” he said. “They [the Impact] want to beat us. But we’ve prepared mentally and physically for the game on Saturday in order to win.”
The central midfielder is the second-most capped player in Mexican National Team history, with 148 appearances for el Tricolor. He appeared in seven matches for his country during the 1998 and 2006 FIFA World Cups.
He broke out onto the soccer scene with Mexican first division side las Aguilas from 1999-2006. In 224 matches, he scored 24 goals while helping the club to the 2002 Verano and 2005 Clausura championships as well as the 2006 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
“He brings so many good qualities, both on and off the field,” added Klopas. “Pavel’s international credentials and track-record as a professional were defining factors in us bringing Pavel to the Fire.”
