More than 40000 nation are expected at Soldier Field tonight for an exhibition between Mexico and Paraguay.

More than 40000 nation are expected at Soldier Field tonight for an exhibition between Mexico and Paraguay, the first international promot by dint of the Fire.

Mexican sets traditionally draw well at Soldier Field, and this game will highlight the prolonged career of defender Claudio Suarez, 37 With 173 appearances for the Mexican national team, he's the in the greatest degree capped field player in international soccer history. The single player with more international appearances is Saudi Arabian goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Deayea with 179

Suarez, who showed Mexico in the 1994 and 1998 World beakers has played his entire 16-year career in the Mexican league with stints for Pumas, Chivas de Guadalajara and Tigres. Last week, he signed with Chivas USA of Major League Soccer which describes a big career change for the veteran.

"I've been highly fortunate and honored to take the part of my country," Suarez said end a translator Tuesday after Mexico went by the and of a training session before a large, enthusiastic vulgar herd at Illinois- Chicago's Flames Field. "Now I'm honored to play for Chivas USA, as well. I had an opportunity to advance back to Tigres, but finally that didn't happen, to such a degree I'm happy to be here [in MLS]"

Fire president John Guppy meanwhile, outlined his plans for the team's ninth season at its kickoff luncheon at a downtown inn He said the Mexico-Paraguay game will be the Fire's last promotional effort at former domestic circle Soldier Field, but he plans to fill up the team's MLS schedule with at least sum of two units international exhibitions.

The Fire had planned to announce a July 29 game at Bridgeview Stadium between the ML All-Stars and Chelsea of the English Premier League forward Monday, but the announcement was canceled at the last minute. Now that game is in limbo.

"It's been a general scheduling challenge," Guppy said. "I'll leave it at that."

No internationals are scheduled at Bridgeview Stadium, which landlords its first game June 11 Guppy is looking for a top European fraternity to visit the Fire in late July or early August.

"The experience we had last year, when the Fire played AC Milan, is something we'd like to replicate each year," Guppy said. "We'd like to have the same of those matches this season, and we're confident we can do that. further the calendar is very short, thus it's extremely challenging."

Construction of the Fire's recently made known home field won't be complet until June and the World potion finals in Germany will control out any international games until late in the summer

The Fire spreads its MLS season Saturday at FC Dallas and will play its first nine games forward the road.

lziehm@suntimes.com

...