Chicago and Dallas completed a trade of defenders on July 14, with Tom Soehn heading to the Fire and Brian Bates to the Burn. Soehn, a native of Arlington Heights, Ill. who played with the Chicago Kickers youth team and attended Western Illinois, joins the Fire after appearing in 39 games for Dallas over the past two seasons. “Tom has been a big part of our success,” said Dallas coach Dave Dir. “Unfortunately, there comes a time that a fresh start is good for everyone. Brian will be a great asset to our defense. He has good speed, technical ability and good pace.” Bates appeared in a total of 30 games with the Colorado Rapids in 1996 and 1997, before being selected by the Fire in the tenth round of the MLS Expansion Draft. He has played in three games this year for Chicago. “We have a great deal of respect for all the effort that Brian has put into our team this year,” said Fire coach Bob Bradley. “Tom Soehn brings us experience and leadership in the back, plus he is a player that always gives one hundred percent.” Both players are expected to be with their new clubs in time for this weekend’s games.