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Sports
27 February 2025

Major League Soccer Teams Forge New Partnerships And Player Moves

Chicago Fire FC renews beer partnership as MLS teams gear up for the new season.

CHICAGO - Chicago Fire FC and Revolution Brewing today announced a multiyear partnership renewal agreement, with Revolution continuing as the valued official partner of the Club, and introducing Cold Time as the Official Craft Beer of the Fire. This collaboration between the Fire and Revolution, which first began back in 2022, coincided with the Club's return to Chicago to play home matches at Soldier Field. The partnership aims to celebrate their shared passion for the city, the game, and the enthusiastic fans who support them.

"Just as soccer clubs evolve their style of play, craft beer enthusiasts have been embracing more lagers in recent years," noted Revolution Brewing CMO Doug Veliky. "With lager being a long-associated and beloved style with soccer fans, we are confident the Fire faithful will enjoy Cold Time all the way through extra time." Chicago Fire FC’s Senior Vice President, Goyo Perez, also expressed enthusiasm, stating, "We’re delighted to welcome back Revolution Brewing and look forward to creating exciting experiences for Fire fans."

Cold Time, billed as a clean, flavorful Premium Lager with an easy-drinking 4.8% ABV, will be available at retailers throughout Chicagoland and can be experienced on draft at the Revolution Brewery and Taproom located on Kedzie Ave. Through this renewed partnership, Revolution will enjoy various stadium activations, including the presenting partner of the "Cold Time Halftime presented by Revolution Brewing" during home matches.

The excitement surrounding this partnership was reflected during the Season Kick-Off Party held at Revolution’s Taproom for Season Ticket Members. The Fire returns to action this weekend, hosting Eastern Conference rivals D.C. United on Saturday, March 1, at Soldier Field, where Revolution will host a tailgate to keep the excitement alive.

Meanwhile, New York City FC kicks off their 2025 MLS season this Saturday against LAFC at BMO Stadium, with the game slated for 10:30 PM ET. NYCFC draws confidence from their recent performance, having secured a credible 2-2 draw against Inter Miami CF. Dyson Jansen, the team's coach, emphasized the need to capitalize on scoring opportunities as the team prepares to face the tough competition posed by LAFC, who recorded one of the strongest defensive records last year.

City's strategy will hinge on managing defensive transitions against LAFC’s advances, with players like Denis Bouanga and Olivier Giroud expected to pose threats. The clash promises to be intense as both clubs aim to get off to strong starts.

Over at Real Salt Lake, the club announced the transfer of Forward Elias Manoel to Brazilian side Botafogo. RSL acquired Manoel during the 2024 draft, where he had earlier joined from New York Red Bulls. During his tenure with the Red Bulls, he made 33 MLS appearances, scoring eight goals. Manoel created history as he became the first player ever to score a hat trick for the franchise during the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs. After establishing himself back home, Manoel's transfer speaks to the dynamic nature of MLS, where player movements are frequent as clubs adjust their rosters for the new season.

Real Salt Lake is gearing up for its home opener this Saturday against rival Seattle Sounders FC. Fans can expect another exciting match, with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 PM MT at America First Field.

Another significant announcement came from San Diego FC, who revealed their partnership with Palomar Holdings as the Official Training Jersey Partner. The multi-year agreement reflects Palomar's commitment to the community and its innovative approaches to insurance solutions. The SDFC CEO, Tom Penn, remarked, "Palomar is rooted in providing stability for our communities, which aligns with the foundation we're building for our team." The partnership aims to focus on sustainability and community education, particularly centered around earthquake readiness.

Maestro of the partnership Mac Armstrong, Palomar's CEO, highlighted their excitement by stating, "We are thrilled by the opportunity to support the growth and success of SDFC.” The partnership notable for its community impact showcases local businesses stepping up for the inaugural season of San Diego FC.

Finally, Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith confirmed the availability of star forward Wilfried Zaha for their opening match against Atlanta United on Saturday at 2:00 PM. This news follows Zaha's family welcoming their new baby, ensuring the forward's personal life is balanced alongside his professional commitments. The club plans to kick off their season with strong fan engagement, offering limited-edition hats for attendees during the home opener.

With these new partnerships and player movements, Major League Soccer continues to evolve, presenting clubs with opportunities to strengthen their ties both on and off the field. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for upcoming matches as the season heats up and enjoy the exciting developments from their favorite teams.