Segares returns to Fire

He's back. After six months with Cypriot side Apollon Limassol, Gonzalo Segares is returning to the Chicago Fire, team officials announced Friday.

The 27-year-old Costa Rican defender rejoins the Fire on a free transfer and will become available to play for Fire head coach Carlos de los Cobos upon the receipt of his transfer papers.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We are excited to have Gonzalo rejoin the Chicago Fire," said Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas. "Gonzalo is a dynamic and talented player who will make a great addition to the club."

Segares began his professional career with the Fire as a third-round selection in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft. From 2005 to 2009, he scored 8 goals and 7 assists in 108 games with the Fire. In 2007, he was recognized as the Fire Defender of the Year.

On the international scene, Segares has become a first team member for Costa Rica, appearing 13 times in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Hot ticket: More 19,000 tickets have been sold for the Fire game vs. New York Red Bulls at 8 p.m. Sunday (ESPN2/ESPN Deportes).

Limited advance tickets and Standing Room Only tickets are still available by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE (657-3473) or visiting Chicago-Fire.com.

For the first time in MLS history five Designated Players could be on the pitch at the same time. Designated Players Nery Castillo of Mexico and Freddie Ljungberg of Sweden will likely make their Chicago Fire debute against a New York squad featuring French World Cup winner Thierry Henry, Mexican international Rafael Marquez and Colombian forward Juan Pablo Angel.

Ward goes West: The Fire has traded defender Tim Ward to San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for a conditional selection in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. Ward, a six-year veteran, was drafted by New York MetroStars as the 12th overall selection in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft. Since joining the Fire in 2009, the Waukesha, Wis., product has tallied 3 assists in 25 appearances with the Fire.