Fire releases backup goalkeeper Dykstra

On its first day of preseason training, the Chicago Fire announced Monday it has released goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra.

Dykstra, 24, was promoted to starter days before the start of the 2010 season when the team released Jon Busch. He lost the starting job at midseason to rookie Sean Johnson. Johnson will be backed up by veteran Jon Conway, acquired via trade on draft day.

Dykstra appeared in 17 matches for the Fire over the course of two seasons. The Woodbridge, Va., product made his Fire debut in his second MLS season, going 5-6-6 with 5 shutouts and a 1.28 goals against average.

The team also announced over the weekend that nine-year veteran midfielder Logan Pause will take over as team captain, following the retirements of C.J. Brown and Brian McBride.

The team has 42 players in camp, including several trialists, but hopes to be down to 32 by the time it goes to Florida to train in two weeks. The Fire is expected to sign an international forward sometime soon. The club also expects to acquire a third-string goalkeeper under the age of 25 who can fill a developmental spot on the roster.