Fire sign Paraguayan defender Marmol
BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- The Chicago Fire signed Paraguayan defender Lider Marmol Tuesday.
At 6-foot-3, Marmol brings height to the back line, although Fire coach Denis Hamlett said he can also play at defensive midfielder.
"We're excited we were finally able to come to terms with Lider," Hamlett said. "He brings such good qualities to our team. He's going to compete for a starting spot. As he said last week, he just wants to play soccer."
The 23-year-old has trained with the team since April 19 and will be cleared to play once he receives a visa and work certificate, officials said.
Chicago originally invited Marmol to camp last August under then-head coach Juan Carlos Osorio. After Osorio's departure, the Fire claimed Marmol as a discovery player.
Marmol started the season in training camp with the New York Red Bulls, but the teams could not reach an agreement and Marmol returned to Chicago.
"I'm very pleased," Marmol said. "It's very good that I'm coming to Chicago. My mentality now is to work hard. It's my job to show the coaches that I can start."
Marmol will take the eighth and final international roster spot for Chicago. Hamlett said he expects Marmol's papers to come through in the next two or three weeks.
"Today we added another young player to our team," Fire technical director Frank Klopas said. "He will give our team depth and make it stronger."
