The Chicago Fire announced today the acquisition of midfielder Dilly Duka and the right of first refusal to U.S international Robbie Rogers from the Columbus Crew in exchange for striker Dominic Oduro.
"We're pleased to have Dilly join our club," said Fire president of Soccer Operations Javier Leon in a statement. "He's a young player with potential and will provide us with depth on the wing. Additionally, to hold the rights to Robbie is great for the club. He's an experienced player that would be a solid addition to our squad, should the opportunity arise. This was very difficult decision, however, Dominic had expressed interest in pursuing an opportunity for a starting position. We thank him for all that he has done for the Fire and we wish him well as he takes the next step in his career."
Duka, a product of Monteville, N.J., made his MLS debut on Aug. 4, 2010 with the Crew when he entered in the 75th minute of a 2-0 loss to Real Salt Lake. Duka was selected in the first round, eighth overall, by the Crew after a stellar four-year playing career at Rutgers University.
Rogers has been under the control of the Crew since 2007 until 2011, and had his best season with the club in 2008 en route to winning the MLS Cup and the Supporters Shield. Rogers was also named MLS Best XI that season. Rogers most recently represented English Championship side Leeds United and made four appearances in 2012 before being loaned to League One side Stevenage F.C.
The Fire also announced on Monday that goalkeeper Sean Johnson was selected by U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach Jurgen Klinsman for the team's upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Honduras at Estadio Olimpico in San Pedro Sula, Honduras this Wednesday.
Johnson started for the U.S. Men's National Team last Tuesday in an international friendly at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas with Canada which ended in a 0-0 draw.
The 23-year old native of Lilburn, Ga. enters his fourth season with the Fire and is coming off one his best seasons as a professional in 2012. Johnson appeared in a career high 31 matches for the Fire with a 16-10-5 record and five shutouts. Johnson made 108 saves last season with a career-high ten saves against the San Jose Earthquakes on July 28 and had a 1.24 goals against average, the lowest of his career.
Johnson will return to the Fire after the match on Wednesday in Ventrua, Calif. to begin the second leg of preseason training.
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