The Chicago Fire made their biggest international signing since Bastian Schweinsteiger in 2017 when they inked Polish scoring machine Robert Lewandowski to a two-year deal on June 29.
The 37-year-old Lewandowski, who last played for FC Barcelona, has more than 700 goals in international competition. His contract with the Fire runs through the 2027-2028 season.
If all goes well with his visa and international-transfer certificate, he could be ready to go to work for Chicago as early as 7:30 p.m. July 16 when the Fire host Vancouver at Soldier Field.
“His arrival reinforces our ambition to compete for trophies and raises the standards for the club to heights worthy of this city,” Fire coach Gregg Berhalter said of Lewandoski in a news release. “We cannot wait to get to work with him and have Chicago see first-hand why he is among the most revered sporting icons in the world.”
The World Cup break is winding down and the MLS resumes for the Fire in the Vancouver game. They are in third place in the Eastern Division with an 8-4-2 mark.
Lewandowski gives the Fire an additional offensive boost, joining Hugo Cuypers (13 goals, two assists) and Peter Zinckernagel (five goals, seven assists).
Area fans may get a close look at Lewandowski in August as the Fire have three Leagues Cup games scheduled for Aug. 6, Aug. 9 and Aug. 13 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.
The Fire also hired Nico Estevez as an assistant coach.
High five for Stanko
Orland Park native and Andrew graduate Krysta Stanko won her fifth straight women’s division Orland Park Veterans Run on July 3 at Centennial Park.
Stanko, 20, ran the two-mile course in 12 minutes 18.39 seconds, good for 10th overall.
Crestwood’s Andrew Damon, 21, won the overall race in 10:15.18.0.
Luke wins Stars and Stripes
In other holiday 5K racing, Chicago Christian alum Noah Luke won the Tinley Park 5K Stars and Stripes Run on June 27 with a 16:07.04 at McCarthy Park.
He is a rising junior at Western Carolina. The Tinley Park native was a multiple state qualifier in track and cross country,
Murphy bobblehead coming
The Fevo Enterprise Ticket Sales company is offering bobbleheads of Evergreen Park native and Mother McAuley grad Abbey Murphy on Sept. 26, when the White Sox host Colorado in a 6:10 p.m. game.
This is not a stadium-wide promotion and the giveaway will only be offered via a special ticket. For more information, visit whitesox.com/abbeymurphy.
Murphy has a recent rich history with the Sox.
The former Minnesota hockey standout was one of the first CHISOX athletes to earn NIL money in 2024 and repeated it in 2025.
She participated in team photoshoots and threw out ceremonial first pitches at Rate Field.
All-state soccer
The Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association named its girls all-state team.
Lyons’ Carolina Capizzi, Argo’s Klara Cicha, Andrew’s Emily Crotty and Marist’s Julia Skol were selected to the first team.