A day after it parted company with Coach Denis Hamlett, the Chicago Fire re-signed Brian McBride for the 2010 season. The Fire also picked up the option on another veteran, C.J. Brown.

"We are pleased to have both Brian and C.J. back with the team for 2010," Fire technical director Frank Klopas. "McBride is a force on the field and his experience is unmatched by many in MLS. He will play another invaluable role for us in 2010.  C.J.'s contributions in 2009 were key in helping us to reach the Eastern Conference Championship Final this season. We need them both back on the pitch to help lead us toward a MLS Cup championship."

McBride, a Chicago product, arrived from Fulham in 2007. Brown has been with Chicago since 1998, when it won MLS Cup as an expansion team.