MLS

• Fire pick up options of McBride, Brown

  
  

  Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago Fire picked up the options of defender C.J.

  Brown and forward Brian McBride, the Major League Soccer club announced on Wednesday.

  "We are pleased to have both Brian and C.J. back with the team for 2010," Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas said. "McBride is a force on the field and his experience is unmatched by many in MLS. He will play another invaluable role for us in 2010.

  C.J.'s contributions in 2009 were key in helping us to reach the Eastern Conference Championship Final this season. We need them both back on the pitch to help lead us toward a MLS Cup championship." Former U.S.

  international, McBride, joined the club in August of 2007 from English Premier League side Fulham FC. He was the Fire's MVP in 2009.

  Brown has been a member of the club since its inaugural season in 1998, helping the team to five domestic championships through 12 seasons of play.

  11/25 18:13:45 ET