MLS: Chad Deering to join Dallas

Midfielder Chad Deering, a member of the 1998 United States World Cup team, has been signed by MLS and allocated to the Dallas Burn. Deering, a product of North Texas soccer, has most recently been playing with VfL Wolfsburg of the German Bundesliga. Deering hopes to make his MLS debut July 4 when Dallas hosts Chicago. “We are very pleased with the addition of Chad to our roster,” said Burn general manager Billy Hicks. “This should be very exciting for our fans. Not only are we obtaining a regular on the U.S. national team and a player with Bundesliga experience, but we are also bringing home a local hero.” The 27-year-old Deering has 11 caps with the U.S., starting one game in the 1998 World Cup in France. He was called up to the national team by former coach Steve Sampson this year for a friendly match against Paraguay March 14, scored a goal, and has since become a fixture on the American squad. Deering becomes the 17th player from the U.S. World Cup team who is currently a member of an MLS roster. Including former Columbus Crew goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who now plays for English Premier League club Liverpool, 18 of the 22 U.S. World Cup players have MLS ties. “We’re obviously very excited to get a player of his quality,” says Burn coach Dave Dir. “Chad is someone we’ve had our eyes on for three years. He’s been playing at a very high level of soccer for several years, he’s technically sound, and he can have an immediate impact on our team.” Prior to joining Wolfsburg, Deering played for FC Schalke 04, also in Germany. He also had a brief stint with the U.S. national team in 1993 under Bora Milutinovic. Deering played two seasons at Indiana University before leaving for Germany at age 20 in 1991. “Having played most of my youth soccer in Dallas, it’s a thrill to sign with the Burn,” says Deering, “It’s great to come home to play in front of the hometown fans. The Burn has done well so far but, hopefully, I can contribute to help them get even better results.” Deering arrives at a time when the Burn needs support in midfield, where Dir has been without his injured Swiss star David Dir. BIO Position:Midfielder Height: 6-1 Weight: 165 Born: Sept. 2, 1970, in Plano, Texas Hometown: Plano, Texas College: Indiana University Club: Dallas Burn U.S. national team: Made his national team debut Oct. 13, 1993, against Mexico. First International Goal: March 14, 1998, vs. Paraguay. Professional: Played 15 games for Wolfsburg’s inaugural Bundesliga season… Teamed with fellow national team player Claudio Reyna in midfield… Played previously one season in the First Division with Schalke after moving to the club from Werder Bremen in 1993, where he played on the reserve team for three years. Also played in Third Division with Kickers Emden. College: Turned professional after playing two years (1989-90) with college soccer powerhouse Indiana University… As a freshman, he finished fourth on the team in scoring with nine goals and 10 assists and led the team in scoring as a sophomore with 12 goals and 12 assists. High School: Captained the U.S. Under-16 national team in 1987… Attended Plano High School in Plano, Texas, where he was a two-time Parade All American, Gatorade Player of the Year and Texas Player of the Year. Personal: Married to Marci Cornish, they have a daughter, Britney.