CHICAGO, IL (Jan. 11, 2012) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Wednesday the signing of Uruguayan striker Federico Puppo. The 25-year-old attacker joins Rafael Robayo as the second South American talent to join the Men in Red as the Fire build its team ahead of the 2012 campaign. Puppo will be added to the club’s roster, as an international, upon the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P1 Visa. Per league and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Federico Puppo is a player we’ve kept an eye for the past few seasons,” said Fire head coach Frank Klopas. “He is a smart forward who moves well off the ball and finishes in front of the goal. His addition helps us to strengthen our attacking core. We are excited to get all of these guys into camp and begin putting in the work on the field.”

Puppo joins the Fire from Primera División Uruguaya side Danubio F.C., where he appeared in 10 matches, scoring two goals while helping la Franja to a second place finish during the 2011 Apertura campaign.

Prior to his time with Danubio, Puppo played for Montevideo-based Club Atletico River Plate from 2006-11, where he appeared in 57 league matches, scored 17 goals, helping the club to the 2008 Clausura championship. With their 2008 finish, the club qualified for the following year’s CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana where they achieved the best finish in club history, advancing to the semifinals of the tournament. Puppo began his professional career with Montevideo Wanderers, appearing in nine matches from 2004-06.

Named to the Uruguay squad that took part in the 2011 Pan American Games held in Guadalajara, Mexico, Puppo made two appearances, scoring the game-winning goal in a 1-0 opening win over Ecuador on October 21, en route to a third place finish at the tournament.

Name: Carlos Federico Puppo Gross

Position: Forward

Height: 5’8” (1.78m)

Weight: 160 lbs. (73kg)

Date of Birth: December 6, 1986

Place of Birth: Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

Hometown: Montevideo, Uruguay

Citizenship: Uruguay

Last Club: Danubio F.C. (URU)

Acquired: Signed on January 11, 2012