For the second time this month, the Chicago Fire have arrived safely at their off-site training location, doing so in Portland Thursday without the headaches of a Chicago blizzard that plagued departure for their previous trip to England. The Fire trained Friday in ideal conditions at Merlo Field, home of the University of Portland Pilots, and began work preparing for Sunday's upcoming scrimmage vs. Stabaek of the Norwegian Tippeligaen.
In news that is sure to please any Fire supporter, Friday marked the first time that the entirety of Frank Yallop's newly assembled roster was able to train together. Both David Accam and Shaun Maloney, two of Yallop's three Designated Player signings this offseason, were on the pitch in Portland after securing their visas earlier this week. Fire veterans Sean Johnson (rest) and Jeff Larentowicz (MLS Players Union meetings) also were back to training after brief stints away earlier this week.
Check out the videos below to hear from newly arrived Ghanaian forward David Accam and head coach Frank Yallop about the start of the Portland training trip:
| 2015 Preseason News & Coverage | |
|---|---|
| Feb. 3 | Fire Set Up Camp in Norwich |
| Feb. 5 |
Fire Battle Norwich City FC to Scoreless Draw |
| Feb. 5 |
Open Tryouts Provide Opportunity with First Team |
| Feb. 8 | U.K. Check-In with Native Brit Matt Watson |
| Feb. 9 | Jeff Larentowicz: In His Own Words |
| Feb. 10 | Watson Relishing Role with Revitalized Fire |
| Feb. 11 | Catching Up with GK Sean Johnson |
| Feb. 12 | Bircham, James at Home on Preseason Stops |
| Feb. 12 | Fire Defeat QPR to Close U.K. Travels |
| Feb. 17 | Tuesday Training Takeaways |
| Feb. 18 | Rookies Impress Early in Preseason |
| Feb. 18 | Prepping for PDX |
| Feb. 20 | Polster to Wear No. 2 for Fire |