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United-Fire Preview

Oct 15, 2010 - 8:10 PM By SANTOSH VENKATARAMAN STATS Senior Writer

D.C. (6-19-3) at Chicago (8-12-8), 4:00 p.m. EDT

Brian McBride is about to end a 17-year career that has made him one of the United States' most successful soccer players in a special place.

McBride will play his final home game Saturday night for the Chicago Fire when they host D.C. United in a matchup of teams finishing up disappointing seasons.

Chicago (8-12-8) will miss the playoffs for the first time in six years while D.C. (6-19-3) has endured a miserable season with a league-low 21 points, but the failed campaigns of these proud franchises that have combined to win five MLS Cups will take a back seat Saturday with the focus squarely on McBride.

The striker, who grew up in suburban Chicago, spent a season in Germany with VfL Wolfsburg before joining MLS to play for Columbus from 1996-2004. McBride's stature grew following a successful four-year stint with English Premier League club Fulham, which named a pub after him at home stadium Craven Cottage.

McBride was also a longtime standout for the United States national team. He played on three World Cup teams and is third on the U.S. scoring list with 30 goals.

After leaving Fulham, McBride returned to Chicago to finish his career. He announced his retirement earlier this season, and will be honored in pregame, halftime and postgame ceremonies Saturday.

"My thoughts are firstly on the game and making sure we're prepared," McBride said. "Secondly, it's going to be a special time. There's going to be a lot of friends and family there. My wife is putting a lot of work into trying to make it special and so is the Fire and people surrounding the Fire."

McBride has earned plaudits from numerous coaches and teammates for his dominant aerial play, team spirit and toughness. His professionalism has been on display even in a dismal year for the Fire.

"I always say the same thing to all the players: 'Be like Brian McBride,'" coach Carlos de los Cobos said. "Even now, he is still the first person out there in practice."

McBride is second on the team with five goals. He scored in a 2-0 victory over Columbus last Friday in the opener of this three-game homestand, although the Fire lost 2-0 to Kansas City on Tuesday.

D.C. will have numerous players back after being short-handed in last Saturday's 2-0 home loss to San Jose. Montenegro midfielder Branko Boskovic and Trinidad and Tobago defender Julius James will return from international duty while midfielder Andy Najar will be back from a suspension.

"I am not freaking out about this game, believe me," interim coach Ben Olsen said after the loss. "We'll gonna get some guys back for Chicago and we'll try and end it, try and end this season in a positive way."

MLS all-time leading scorer Jaime Moreno is suspended after being sent off against the Earthquakes.

McBride and Marco Pappa scored in Chicago's 2-0 victory at RFK Stadium on April 17.