Fire sign training camp invitee, Storm sign draft pick.

by Dan Gaichas

BRIDGEVIEW, IL--The Chicago Fire have signed Polish striker Tomasz Frankowski.  Frankowski was invited to training camp after being without a club for six months.  Frankowski, 33, helped Wisla Krakow to five Polish League titles (1999, 2001, 2003-2005) scoring 115 goals in 173 appearances and has scored ten goals in 22 caps with the Polish national team. 

In January 2006, Frankowski signed with Wolverhampton Wanderers and was billed as the “final piece of the jigsaw” by then-manager Glenn Hoddle during a promotion challenge.  The spell at Wolves could not have been more disastrous for Frankowski as failed to score a single goal in 16 appearances while Wolves would finish 7th that season.  After a loan spell at Spanish side Tenerife, he was released in August 2007 after suffering a knee injury.  It was because of this ill-fated spell that caused him to miss out on the 2006 World Cup for Poland.  He has since been without a team to play for. 

“I am happy to sign with the Chicago Fire and I want to thank them for their faith in me,” said Frankowski. “After a couple days in training camp I realized the high standard of play and the quality of the organization and its players. I believe I will fulfill everyone’s expectations, and I realize how large the Polish community is here in Chicago and hope that they will give us all their support.”

Frankowski has scored two goals during preseason in Bradenton.  He will wear the #9 shirt this season.

“Tomasz is a very experienced forward and we are excited to have him on the roster,” said Fire Head Coach Denis Hamlett. “We saw a lot of positive play from Tomasz in Bradenton, he is clinical around the box and we feel he will fit in well with our system.”

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL--Meanwhile, the Storm signed their third round draft choice Stephen Brust of Bradley.  Brust was listed as a defender, but has played a lot of forward.  He scored twice during the Storm’s 7-3 exhibition win over Rockford on February 9. 

“We had a roster spot available, and we need more depth up front at forward, at the target position,” said Storm head coach Steve Morris. “He brings us a lot of energy and enthusiasm, and he defends hard.”

“I’ll have a lot of family and friends coming out on Saturday, so it’s an exciting thing,” said Brust, regarding this weekend’s match against Baltimore at the Sears Centre Arena. “I got a call from Coach (Morris) and he said to stay in Chicago and keep playing soccer. How can you ask for anything more?”

Brust is eligble to play Saturday night against Baltimore at the Sears Centre.  Kickoff is a 7pm.