Chicago Fire goalkeeper Zach Thornton has signed with Benfica, the Portuguese First Division's most successful team with 33 league titles. Benfica, which is currently in third place, won its last league title in 1994.
Thornton, 30, a Maryland product who played college soccer at Loyola (Md.), has played in MLS since its inauguration in 1996. He spent the first two seasons with the MetroStars before joining the expansion Fire in 1998, and helped it to the MLS title that year. He has also celebrated three U.S. Open Cup titles with the Fire.
''Zach [Thornton] is a talented player who has worked hard over the years to make the Fire a better team,'' Chicago Fire general manager Peter Wilt said. ''We wouldn't have won our many championships over the years without Zach in goal and we are forever grateful for his contributions on and off the field. We respect Zach's decision and wish him continued success in his career.''
Thornton signed a contract until the end of the 2003-04 season with the potential of an extension.
Benfica's starting goalkeeper, Argentine Carlos Bossio, suffered a shoulder injury and had been replaced by 21-year-old Moreira.