AmyFreeze's Blog

What a thrill to be joining the Chicago Fire for their 10th Anniversary... I have a huge passion for soccer and my whole family is excited for the season. Several of the games air on Fox Chicago's sister station My50. 

Click here for the Chicago Fire Season Schedule!

I'll only be their guest a few times as Sports Gal Sarah Kustok is the team sideline reporter this season... but I will be watching every game!  And most importantly, I'll have the forecast if you're going out to Toyota Park for the game!

You may not know this -- but I was the first female sideline reporter in the league. While forecasting in Denver, Colorado I was a faithful follower of the MLS Team the Colorado Rapids (1999-2001) and was invited to become their sideline reporter. It was amazing... I'll never forget being on the field in all the major stadiums during games (including Soldier Field!)

Me at Soldier Field May 2000 (My uncle John Freeze who lived in Coal City and came to the game and took this picture!)

Now, many of the teams have their own stadiums--- check out this link with soccer specific stadiums

Click here to see soccer stadiums!

While traveling with the teams, there were a few occassions where the games were double headers--- followed by World Cup Qualifying matches --- it was a thrill to see the Men's US Soccer Team take on other countries.  I was even lucky enough to see a few women's qualifiers... and in 2003 I got a special assignment to go to the Home Depot training center to follow the women's team as they prepared for the Olympics!  I love soccer... and every match I watch I learn more about the game.

Looking back, the best part of being so close to the game as a sideline reporter was the friendships I made... Getting to know the coaches and the players and their families... many of them are still my friends today. I look forward to having that opportunity again.

I admire the fierce competitive nature of the MLS... especially with Blanco on our side!  But you should know that there is an equally agressive desire in the MLS to make a difference in the communities they are in --- including Chicago!

I'll see you during the broadcast this week on My50... then at the game!

Post your questions here or send them via email to amy.freeze@foxchicago.com

Also be sure to check out the Tribune blog on soccer with Soccer Specialist Luis Arroyave

Click here to read Chicago Sports Soccer Blog!