Patrick Nyarko is Chicago Fire’s forward from Kumasi, Ghana.  He was a star forward and three-time All-ACC selection for the Virginia Tech Hokies soccer team in 2007, was named the Atlantic Coast Conference freshman of the year, and was named to the all-ACC team. He was named a finalist for the Hermann Trophy in 2007 and decided to forgoe his senior year to sign up for the 2008 MLS Superdraft.

Chicago Fire picked him 7th overall and he hit the ground running, scoring his first goal as a team member in August  2008 against Chivas.  He is full of promise and looks like he will continue to be invaluable for the team.

Bakari Soumare is  a defender from Bamako, Mali with an equally impressive soccer history.  He lived in Paris for a while before moving to the United States where he began to make his impact in American soccer circles.  He led the Red Storm Arrows of the Super Y League to a national title in 2002 as their captain, was a two-year letter winner, Parade All-American, two-year team captain, 2004 team MVP, 2004 League Co-MVP, and a two-time All-City member.

Chicago Fire drafted him 2nd overall in the first round in 2007, and he immediately made an impact.   He was named to the MLS Best XI after the 2008 season and was nominated for 2008 MLS Defender of the Year.  This player is one to watch!

John Thorrington is a defensive midfielder from Johannesburg, South Africa. He played for Manchester United at the age of 17 (in 1997), moved to Bayer Leverkusen and then on to Huddersfield Town.

He developed hamstring injuries which have plagued him throughout his career.  He is currently on the reserve roster but Chicago Fire remains confident that he will make an impact in the next soccer season.