Assistant coach Chris Armas leaving Chicago Fire

Chicago Fire assistant coach and former player Chris Armas has made the decision to leave the team due to personal reasons and will not return as an assistant coach for the 2009 MLS season.

"From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank the Fire for everything the team and organization have done for me during the past 11 years. My wife Justine and I have made the decision to move back to New York. The entire Fire organization and our devoted, enthusiastic fans have given me so many wonderful memories that I hold very close to my heart. I wish the Fire and the fans all the best."

"Through his 11 seasons with the team, Chris has been a first class member of the Fire, on-and-off the field," said Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas. "He was a dedicated player for many years and helped to shape this team and organization from the beginning. We respect his decision to move on, and he will be greatly missed."

"We are appreciative of everything Chris has done for this organization; he has been a true professional as both a player and coach in every sense of the word," said Fire President Dave Greeley.

Armas began his coaching career after retiring from his 12-year career in MLS - 10 of which were spent with Chicago. The Fire acquired Armas in 1998, and the Adelphi University product was a critical asset to the team as he helped the Fire win their first-ever MLS Championship that year. Between 1998 and 2001, Armas was named to the MLS Best XI four consecutive times. He was named to his fifth Best XI after the 2003 MLS season, in addition to being selected as the MLS Comeback Player of the Year. Armas was also awarded the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year in 2000. During his 12 years in MLS, Armas totaled 12 goals and 48 assists, plus added four goals and four assists all-time in playoff games. Before joining MLS in 1996, he played for the USISL's Long Island Rough Riders, and was selected as a USISL All-Star.