The Chicago Fire Soccer Club and Chicago Cubs announced today that Fire designated player and midfielder Freddie Ljungberg will throw out a ceremonial first pitch at the Chicago Cubs baseball game at Wrigley Field tonight, Tuesday, Aug. 31 at 7:05 PM CT.
The 33-year-old Swedish midfielder became the first traded Designated Player in MLS history when he joined the Men in Red on July 30. In five games in a Fire uniform the dynamic midfielder has tallied three assists and led the Fire to a 2-2-1 record.
Ljungberg is widely recognized for his prominent role in Arsenal’s run of two English Premier League and three FA Cup championships between 1999-2005. The dynamic midfielder appeared in 328 matches for Arsenal from 1998-07, scoring 72 goals and was named 2002 MVP Barclaycard Premier League Player of the Year. In 2001-02 he scored a season high 17 goals in all competitions, including 12 in league play. During his tenure with Arsenal, the club never finished lower than fourth in the English Premier League and recently, Ljungberg was voted top 11 on the Gunners’ all-time top 50 players.
Between his first appearance for Sweden in 1998 (against the United States) and his international retirement following UEFA Euro 2008, Ljungberg played in two World Cups (2002, 2006) and three UEFA Euros. He served as national team captain from 2006-2008 and, altogether, scored 14 goals.
The Fire return to TOYOTA PARK to entertain Landon Donovan, Edson Buddle and the league-leading LA Galaxy on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 3:00 PM CT (Comcast SportsNet/TeleFutura). For tickets, please call 1-888-MLS-FIRE (657-3473) or head to the club’s official website at www.Chicago-Fire.com.
