BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- Brian McBride, who played all 90 minutes for the United States Wednesday in its 2-1 elimination loss to Nigeria in the Beijing Olympics, is expected to be available to train with the Chicago Fire Friday at Toyota Park.
Soon after the United States found out it was eliminated after the first round of the Olympics, the Fire received word that McBride would be back in the United States on Thursday, following approximately 18 hours of traveling from China. Fire coach Denis Hamlett said he did not know whether McBride would be available to play Saturday against D.C. United, which would be his first game with the Fire since re-signing with Major League Soccer last month.
"I haven't spoken to him, so I don't know how he is going to be physically, what with the flying time and time difference," Hamlett said. "I need to sit down with him and speak to him before I can comment on his availability."
While Hamlett said he had no real expectation of McBride's availability, he did say McBride's actions speak to his commitment to the team.
"He is coming back right away, so that tells you something," Hamlett said.
McBride, 36, is returning to Major League Soccer after playing four years in the English Premier League. McBride played for the Columbus Crew for eight years prior to jumping to the EPL.
McBride will have one more opportunity to play with his new teammates. The club announced Wednesday it will play an exhibition game against Veracruz of the Mexican League on Aug. 24, after playing in Los Angeles against the Galaxy on Aug. 21.
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