Herron Returns to Fire

The Chicago Fire have signed forward Andy Herron to a contract after arranging a trade for his domestic rights with the Columbus Crew. In exchange for the rights, Columbus will receive Chicago's 4th-round pick in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft.Herron, 29, appeared in 48 games for the Fire between 2004-2006, scoring 15 goals and three assists. The Costa Rican striker was traded to Columbus in 2007, appearing in 18 games (10 starts) for the Crew. Despite only playing 794 minutes, Herron still managed to score four goals and add two assists. In the offseason, he returned to Central America and played with Puntarenas FC of the Primera Division de Costa Rica, but was persuaded to come back to Major League Soccer by his old club.

"In regard to Andy, it was a simple situation of picking up the rights to a player we know very well," Fire coach Denis Hamlett said. "We feel that Andy has shown that he can be a scoring threat in this league. The opportunity to sign him is significant as we continue to look for more options in the final third."