Uruguayan forward joins Chicago Fire

The Fire on Thursday announced the signing of Uruguayan forward Gaston Puerari.

The long-awaited announcement was held up by paperwork involving Puerari’s International Transfer Certificate and visa.

Puerari, 25, becomes only the fifth forward in camp, not including trialists, joining veteran Patrick Nyarko and rookies Jason Herrick, Davis Paul and Amani Walker. Calen Carr, listed as a midfielder, also can play forward.

“Gaston is a talented offensive player with the ability to make an impact for our club,” said Fire technical director Frank Klopas in a statement released Thursday. “We are excited to bring in a player with quick feet, good passing skills and the ability to finish on goal. Gaston’s work ethic and drive to win makes him a perfect fit to represent the Fire badge.”

The 5-foot-7 Puerari arrives from Montevideo Wanderers in the Uruguayan first division. He had 8 goals in 35 appearances for Wanderers since joining the club at the start of the 2009 season.

The Fire is conducting preseason training in Bridgeview before heading to Florida and South Carolina. The Fire opens the season March 19 at FC Dallas.