July 20, 2012
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Fire host Aston Villa Saturday

After falling 1-0 in the sweltering heat at Red Bull Arena to the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday, the Chicago Fire return home for a Saturday friendly that is the first of two international games in the Windy City this weekend.

The Fire host English Premier League side Aston Villa at 7:30 p.m. CT at Toyota Park. The game will be streamed live on the Comcast SportsNet Chicago website www.CSNChicago.com and www.Chicago-Fire.com.

For Villa, the game is the second of their three game U.S. Tour. They defeated the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park on Wednesday, scoring in the 43rd minute when Nathan Delfouneso brought down a ball and found the back of the net from outside the 18.

Delfouneso, who is batlting for a forward spot on the roster, the trip to the U.S. is his first, but while there may be a it of fun involved, it’s a work trip.

“Yeah it’s my first time visiting America, so it’s a different experience for me and I have been enjoying it so far," he said. "Hopefully I will have a good time for the rest of the trip.

“Work hard, us trying to get as much out of this as possible." Delfouneso continued. " We are not just looking for excitement; we are trying to win the games as well. For fitness, I know it will build confidence as well and for team bonding and that’s all we are looking for.”

After the game in Chicago, Aston Villa head to the west coast to face the Portland Timbers at Jeld-Wen Field on Tuesday. The Fire has off for the MLS All-Star break.