Reports are surfacing tonight that have yet to be confirmed by the club that Bratislav Ristic was released by the Chicago Fire today. Ristic came to the Fire during the 2010 season from FC Rad Belgrade, and made 17 appearances for the club in two seasons.
If indeed the rumors are true (which by all appearances seems to be the case), the release of Ristic immediately frees up an international spot for potential signing Pavel Pardo of Club America. Pardo, a former Mexican international, was seen at Chicago’s July 16th match against Portland Timbers, a sighting that immediately fueled speculation as to when, not if, the midfielder would sign with Chicago. With the possible release of Ristic, the floodgates are open for Pardo to suit up in Fire red as soon as the August 3rd match at Toyota Park against Philadelphia Union.
While it appears both moves are imminent and only waiting for an official release to be verified, more info will be available when said statements from the organization surface. Stay tuned for more on what’s sure to be an interesting All Star break as Chicago prepares itself for the home stretch of the 2011 campaign.
Image courtesy of Chicago Fire
