CHICAGO FIRE NEWS RELEASE Contact: Diana Lopez, 312/705-7272, dlopez@mlsnet.com; John Koluder, 312/705-7271, jkoluder@mlsnet.com Chicago Fire Proclaims Peter Nowak Day on June 28 Fire to Honor Five-Year Captain During Fire-MetroStars Match Former Fire Head Coach Bob Bradley, Teammates to Join in Celebration CHICAGO, IL (Wednesday, June 18, 2003) -- The Chicago Fire has announced that it will pay tribute to one of the most talented playmakers to ever grace the Major League Soccer stage, former Fire captain and midfielder Peter Nowak, by hosting Peter Nowak Day on Saturday, June 28 during the Fire's match against the MetroStars at North Central College's Cardinal Stadium (3:00 p.m. CT, ESPN2). Prior to the game, fans will have the opportunity to meet Nowak during an autograph session at Cardinal Stadium at 1:30 p.m. The first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative Peter Nowak T-shirt, courtesy of LaSalle Bank, upon entrance to the stadium. "The Chicago Fire is honored to pay tribute to one of Major League Soccer's finest," said Fire GM Peter Wilt. "Peter's incredible talent, unmistakable passion and strong work ethic made him a tremendous leader and an inspirational figure to this organization. His love and dedication to this sport, the Fire and MLS continues to manifest itself through his close involvement with the organization and through his mentoring of our younger players. We hope that on June 28 we can show him at least a little of what he has meant to us." Nowak's former Fire teammates and ex-Fire boss Bob Bradley, now Head Coach of the MetroStars, will honor their long-time captain on the field prior to the start of the match. Nowak, 38, retired from professional soccer last February to take on a new role as the Fire's Soccer and Business Advisor and Director of International Relations. Chicago's all-time assist leader is actively involved with the Fire's coaching staff, Fire Academy and the front office. In the Fire's sixth MLS campaign, Nowak serves as a commentator during the Fire's regional broadcasts on WNVR 1030 AM. One of the most recognizable figures in Chicago, Nowak continues to represent the Fire in the community by serving on the Board of Directors of the FireWorks for Kids Foundation - the Fire's charitable arm - and helping coordinate the team's Annual Polish Heritage Night. The former Polish international has also established the Peter Nowak Soccer Academy in Naples, Florida. Upon his retirement, Nowak wrapped up the last chapter of a playing career that spanned nearly 23 years, the last five of which he spent as the Fire's first and only captain. He helped Chicago to three championships (MLS Cup '98 and 1998 and 2000 U.S. Open Cup Championships). He was named to the Pepsi MLS Best XI in 1998, 2000, and 2001, and received Fire/Honda Team MVP honors for his contributions in 1998, 2000, and 2001. www.chicago-fire.com
I hope this doesn't rule out a testimonial sendoff match sometime down the road. Want to see him play one more time.
I agree. I'd LOVE to see him play once more. (Unless of course we could get him back on the active roster....)
Nowak autograph session and T-shirt http://www.chicago-fire.com/pressbox/pressrelease/releasetext.asp?prID=1272 Free Nowak t-shirt to first 5,000 fans 6/28. Nowak autograph session 1:30 at Cardinal stadium.
Chance To Say "good Bye" To Our Captain. WHOSE going on SATurday to the game against metro stars. The day also called PETER NOWAKS day. We should come and support our former chicago fire captain who played the whole time in US for his fire. HE scored some nice goals, had nice assists. Never let his team down. FANS LETS GO AND SAY TO HIM THANK U IN THE BEST WAY WE CAN.