Fire boosts defense with Gibbs

With C.J. Brown retiring and Wilman Conde out of contract, the Fire's need position for the 2011 season was clear: central defense.

The Fire filled that need Wednesday when it picked Cory Gibbs No. 7 overall in the second phase of its inaugural re-entry draft, a product of the collective-bargaining agreement MLS officials signed with the MLS Players Union last spring.

Gibbs, 30, joins the Fire from the New England Revolution. A former U.S. national team player, Gibbs could partner with second-year man Kwame Watson-Siriboe at center back.

A Brown University graduate, Gibbs began his professional career with FC St. Pauli of the German Bundesliga, appearing in 60 matches from 2001-2003.

In MLS Gibbs has played with FC Dallas and Colorado in addition to New England. Overseas he also joined Feyenoord in the Dutch Eredivisie and was loaned to ADO Den Haag.

In other team news, the Fire is seeking a new shirt sponsor after Best Buy declined to renew its contract after three seasons.