Fire signs Colombian midfielder

The Chicago Fire again have gone to Colombia to find a player, this time offensive midfielder Rafael Robayo.

Robayo, 27, comes from Club Deportivo los Millonarios, the same club at which the Fire found former coach Juan Carlos Osorio and departed defender Wilman Conde.

“Rafael Robayo has an excellent work rate, good defensive energy and will provide support on both sides of the ball,” said Fire coach Frank Klopas. “Rafael is a sizable player who can get in and create around the box. He will join our core group in preseason camp as we continue to build toward the 2012 campaign.”

Robayo scored 20 goals in 187 appearances for Millionarios since 2005. He has one cap for the Colombian national team.

On his website Robayo wrote, “Thank god for this wonderful opportunity to play in MLS and thank you very much Chicago Fire for taking an interest in me as a reinforcement.”

Follow Orrin Schwarz on Twitter @orrinsoccer.