During the halftime report at the MLS All-Star game, MLS commissioner Don Garber stated that the Brian McBride saga is over.
Sure, this saga was nothing compared to Cristiano Ronaldo-to-Real Madrid, but for fans of MLS—especially those fans of the Chicago Fire and Toronto FC—this has been drawn out far too long.
While Garber would not say full out that McBride is on his way to Chicago, he did say a deal was done and an official announcement would be made tomorrow. He also said that it would be nice to see McBride playing in Chicago
These comments along with McBride's persistence on playing for the Fire, lead this writer to believe that ex-Fulham player will soon be playing in Chicago.
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This deal has been in the works for weeks, and it looks like it was finally completed. Toronto FC owns the rights to McBride, and Chicago needs to complete a deal with them in order to acquire the striker.
While I have no idea what Chicago gave up for McBride, I am sure it was worth it.
After a dry spell, the Fire has improved and currently sits third in the Eastern Conference behind the New England Revolution and the Columbus Crew.
For a team that is traditionally strong in the second, the addition of McBride would be a huge boost for the Fire.
Paired with the likes of Cuauhtemoc Blanco, John Thorrington, and Chris Rolfe, the Fire could possess one of the top offensive teams in the league to go with their already stingy defense that has given up only 14 goals in 16 games this season.
Should be fun to watch.
Article originally published on The Looper.
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about 1 month ago
Blanco to McBride? That'd be better service than he ever got at Fulham. Thanks for the update!
from about 1 month ago
Joe that is completely true. And it should please Blanco as well because he has always been frustrated with the Fire's forward's finishing ability. There are very few better in MLS than McBride.
Thanks for the kind words.
about 1 month ago
always been impressed with McBrides heart for the team he represents and his obvious self belief represented by several last gasp goals over the years none more important for fulham than last season.
about 1 month ago
than the one
from about 1 month ago
You are very right. He seems to bring an air with him that exudes confidence and you saw the effect on Fulham after he returned from injury. It will be interesting to see what he can do with the fire who struggle to score goals.
Thanks for the input.
about 1 month ago
McBride was a far more dangerous striker in the Premiership than he ever got credit for. Him and Jimmy Bullard were instrumental in keeping Fulham up last season.
With Blanco and that strong backline - the Fire could go all the way this season!
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for your comments Alex. I cannot wait for that partnership and to see where this team can go this season.
about 1 month ago
Love McBride, the Fire are going to be good...
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the comment Alby. I personally think this launches them into position as the best team in MLS.
about 1 month ago
rumor is that we are getting McBride for Barrett, allocation and 2009 1st round D.Pick..... not shabby at all
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the report Brett. I had heard Barrett was involved and I would assume a pick as well. I think it is definitely worth it for the skill and experience McBride will bring but it is also a good move for Toronto. Barrett is a very skilled player and will score goals. I have heard a lot of Chicagoans saying they would love to get rid of him but I think he has a great future ahead of him. A change of scenery will probably be good for him.
Good deal for both teams in my opinion.
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