Robert Lewandowski set for Chicago Fire debut on July 17 after press conference and first training
Robert Lewandowski will hold a press conference on July 14 and could make his MLS debut for Chicago Fire against Vancouver Whitecaps three days later.
Transfer to Chicago Fire
Robert Lewandowski joined Chicago Fire at the start of July, signing a two-year contract after four seasons with Barcelona. The Polish national team captain previously played for Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. The club announced that his P1 sports visa process is on track, allowing him to join the team in Chicago early next week.
Press conference and first training
Chicago Fire has scheduled a press conference for July 14 at 20:30 Polish time, with Lewandowski and head coach Gregg Berhalter. The event takes place half an hour before the World Cup semifinal. Before the media appearance, Lewandowski will take part in his first training session with the team; the opening 15 minutes will be open to journalists. Berhalter praised the striker's professionalism:
One of the things that struck me most about Robert is his absolutely highest level of professionalism and will to win.
Debut against Vancouver Whitecaps
The club expects Lewandowski to be available for the home match against Vancouver Whitecaps on July 17 at 2:30 Polish time. He is likely to come off the bench, as he is not yet match-fit after the off-season. A week later, he could start against Inter Miami, though Lionel Messi may still be absent due to the World Cup. Vancouver's squad includes former Bayern teammate Thomas Mueller and Sebastian Berhalter, the coach's son.
- First training with Chicago Fire; first 15 minutes open to media.
- Press conference with Lewandowski and coach Gregg Berhalter.
- Potential MLS debut against Vancouver Whitecaps at Soldier Field.
Club ambitions and Polish connection
Chicago Fire currently sits third in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind leaders Nashville SC. The team's top scorer is Hugo Cuypers with 13 goals. The club's only MLS title came in 1998, when Polish players Piotr Nowak, Roman Kosecki and Jerzy Podbrożny were in the squad. Former Poland goalkeeper Artur Boruc noted the large Polish community in Chicago as an advantage:
There is a huge Polish diaspora there that can help him. He will certainly be supported by Poles.
A canceled Miami match
Lewandowski almost played a competitive match on US soil last December, when Barcelona's La Liga fixture against Villarreal was scheduled for Miami. The plan, approved by La Liga and UEFA, was abandoned after two weeks following protests from Spanish fan groups and Real Madrid players and officials. Barcelona expressed regret, and the match was played in Spain instead.
