TheFireAlarm.com, IL –
Aug. 25, 2006
Fire Acquire Bedrossian
French League veteran to join Fire.
Dan Gaichas · August 25, 2006
Using a portion of their allocation due them for the departure of
Damani Ralph in 2005, the Fire acquried the rights to attacking
midfielder Pascal Bedrossian. Bedrossian, who has dual citizenship
with France and Armenia, will become the Fire’s third Seinor
International alongside Andy Herron (Costa Rica), and Ivan Guerrero
(Honduras).
"We had the opportunity to bring Pascal into camp about two months
ago, and we were immediately impressed with his professionalism, his
technical ability and, most importantly, his personality from the
standpoint that he was very excited about the prospect of joining our
team and helping us win championships," said Fire Head Coach Dave
Sarachan. "If there’s a position where we’ll always entertain
improvement, it would be in the attacking third, and Pascal’s an
attacking player that brings with him a lot of first team experience
in France. We think his addition will help us in the push towards our
goal of reaching and winning MLS Cup."
Bedrossian joined the team for training on Tuesday, but is currently
unavailable for selection until his P-1 work visa is secured. He has
spent his entire playing career up to this point in the French
league, leading Lorient to the 2002 French Cup. In addition, he has
played for the French national team at various youth levels. However,
he last played in the 2004-2005 season with French second division
Angers SCO. Understandably, he cannot wait to get on the field with
the Fire.
"For me, coming to play in the USA is a dream come true. Nothing
makes me happier than joining the Fire. Michael Jordan has always
been my idol – as an athlete and a person. What could be better than
playing in his hometown, Chicago?" said Bedrossian. "I hope the
experience I’ve gained in France will help the Fire win
championships. The welcome my teammates and the coaching staff has
given me has been really warm. Giving them all I’ve got is my way of
saying, ‘Thanks, it’s great to be part of this team.’"
Once Bedrossian gets his P-1 work visa secured, it will be
interesting to see how he will fit in to the starting XI and what
adjustments will be made to the lineup as a whole to accomodate him.
If that visa is secured before Saturday, he would be eligible for
that night’s match against Colorado.
–Boundary_(ID_eXIpaYBccYRjoUnMFPCIBQ)- –
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
