Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson will return to the Fire for Wednesday's training session, according to a team spokesman.

Johnson was part of the U.S. Olympic Team that failed to qualify following a 3-3 tie against El Salvador on Monday night. Johnson allowed the game-tying goal in second-half stoppage time after replacing starting goalkeeper Bill Hamid who left the game in the 39th minute with an ankle injury.

With speed up top, the Fire will consistently look to try and create chances in transition before an opposing team's back line is set.

Patrick Nyarko has the ability to play both striker and midfield for the Fire.

But regardless, the offensive-minded Nyarko knows he's able to help create opportunities for the team regardless of where head coach Frank Klopas slots him.

At his first training session with the Fire Tuesday, recently-signed German defender Arne Friedrich set a three-week timetable and feels he is right on schedule.

When the Chicago Fire showed interest in signing 32-year old German defender Arne Friedrich, he was so impressed with the way he was treated that it didn't take long for him to make his decision.

The Fire already have one game under their belt, a 1-1 tied against the Impact in Montreal. But that isn't the reason that the club doesn't differentiate this Saturday's home-opener against the Philadelphia Union from any other home game.

German defender Arne Friedrich, recently signed by the Fire, will train with the team for the first time Tuesday.

The 32-year old Friedrich is an internationally recognized defender having represented Germany in the 2004 and 2008 UEFA European championships. He also represented his country in the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups.

The Fire signed 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft pick Tony Walls on Thursday.

Walls, a defender out of Wisconsin-Green Bay, was selected in the third round and 47th overall. He is a Chicago Fire Premier alumnus.

While at Wisconsin-Green Bay from 2008-11, Walls had 18 goals and 11 assists in 75 appearances with the Phoenix. During his senior season he won Horizon League Player of the Year.

"Tony is a good addition that adds depth on the outside for us," Fire head coach Frank Klopas said in a team statement. "We knew the qualities he possessed after seeing him with our PDL team and he's done an excellent job throughout preseason to come in, convert from midfield to defense and earn a roster spot in the process."

Fire captain Logan Pause put to bed any rumors that he might make a move from midfielder to outside back.

Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson has been added to the U.S. U-23 Olympic Team, according to a club spokesman.

The Fire has preseason training camp in Florida and California so players have the opportunity to play under pristine weather conditions.

But surprisingly the club welcomed a return home to Chicago when they beat the Minnesota Stars FC 3-1 in their final tune up before the regular season.

The Fire signed Italian goalkeeper Paolo Tornaghi on Wednesday who was with the club on trial during the preseason.
He will be added to the roster when he receives his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa. Upon Tornaghi's addition to the roster, the Fire will have three goalies including Tornaghi, Jay Nolly and starter Sean Johnson.

Well-known throughout international soccer, Arne Friedrich was a player Fire coach Frank Klopas knew quite well.

But in addition to bringing a glowing resume to Chicago, Klopas believes the Fire the 32-year old Friedrich--signed Wednesday by the club--is at a point in his career where he can contribute at the highest technical level.

Throughout the preseason, Fire head coach Frank Klopas was open about the club's interest in signing a player to bolster the club's back line.

Wednesday the Fire did just that when the club signed 32-year old German defender Arne Friedrich who will add versatility because of his ability to play centrally or on the right side. The Fire will add him to the roster once he receives his P1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate.

The Fire announced on Wednesday that the club has broken ground on the Second Star Club at Toyota Park.

The Fire signed 23-year old left back Hunter Jumper on Tuesday. The club picked with the 28th overall pick in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft.