The Chicago Fire executed two trades on Feb. 18, sending midfielder Zak Ibsen to the Los Angeles Galaxy and defender Tomas Wygonik to the Miami Fusion. Ibsen, who was acquired from the Dallas Burn last year for the Fire’s 2nd round college pick in the 1999 draft, was traded to L.A. for its 2nd round pick in the 2001 MLS college draft. Wygonik, Chicago’s 1st round pick in the 1999 supplemental draft, was sent to Miami for its 3rd round pick in the 2000 MLS supplemental draft. Ibsen appeared in 27 games for Chicago last season, starting five, and tallying one assist. His assist came on the Fire’s first ever home goal, sending a pass from the right flank to the spot, which Frank Klopas controlled and slotted by Tampa Bay keeper Thomas Ravelli. Ibsen also appeared in all four U.S. Open Cup ties, as well as MLS Cup ’98. “Zak Ibsen contributed to our team last season and we are sorry to see him go,” said Chicago coach Bob Bradley. “He is trying to finish school at UCLA and got married this off-season [Ibsen’s wife is from Los Angeles.], so we thought it would be honorable to Zak to send him back to the L.A. area. He also expressed an interest in staying on the West Coast.” Wygonik was drafted in the first round of the 1999 MLS supplemental draft, the 12th selection overall. He appeared in two games for the Fire during the pre-season. A native of Poland, Wygonik appeared and started in 26 games last season for the Central Jersey Riptide of the USL’s D3 Pro League. “Wygonik is a big strong central defender who has good skills but he is in a very difficult position,” said Bradley. “We have a very competitive roster and it would have been a challenge for him to make our team.”