The Chicago Fire announced Thursday that midfielder Marco Pappa had transferred to Dutch side SC Heerenveen and will join the team immediately.

The team announced on Aug. 13 that Pappa had signed a pre-contract with the Dutch club and would join the team after the conclusion of his Fire contract on Dec. 31. However, considering he is expected to be called up by the Guatemalan national team for World Cup qualifying in September and therefore miss additional MLS games, it made sense for the Fire to make money off Pappa's transfer instead of allowing him to walk.

Fire striker Sherjill MacDonald says it has been a challenge learning the way in which his teammates like to play the game.

But the Dutch import feels that tonight's game against the New England Revolution at Toyota Park should display some improvement in that area.

The Fire has loaned out Argentinean midfielder Sebastian Grazzini to Atlético de Rafaela. With the move, the Fire frees up one of its eight international roster spots.