July 30, 2008

ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis University soccer legend Brian McBride, who is returning to Major League Soccer after a five-year stint with Fulham FC of the English Premier League, will resume his MLS career with the Chicago Fire.

McBride's rights were acquired from Toronto FC for Chad Barrett, a 2009 first-round draft choice and conditional future considerations.

Currently, McBride is the captain of the U.S. Olympic squad that is preparing for the Olympic Games in Beijing. He will join the Fire following the Olympics.

McBride was the first overall pick in Major League Soccer's inaugural draft in 1996 by the Columbus Crew. He played eight seasons in Columbus and amassed 62 goals and 45 assists in 161 matches.

One of the most decorated players in United States soccer history, McBride has appeared in three World Cups (1998, 2002 and 2006). He is the only U.S. player to score in multiple World Cups. In all, he earned 95 caps with the National Team and scored 30 goals.

In May, McBride capped a successful five-year stint with Fulham FC by announcing his intention to return to the United States and resume his MLS career.

McBride had an illustrious four-year career at SLU beginning in 1990. The two-time All-American is the Billikens' all-time leading scorer with 184 points (72G, 40A). In 2002, he became the first Billiken men's soccer player to have his number retired when his #20 was dedicated at halftime of a game at Robert R. Hermann Stadium.

McBride will join five other Billikens who are active in MLS. Those players are John DiRaimondo (Colorado), Brad Davis (Houston), Brian Grazier (Colorado), Jack Jewsbury (Kansas City) and Tim Ward (Colorado).