April 26, 2004

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Former South Carolina All-America goalkeeper Henry Ring continued his outstanding early-season play on Saturday in leading Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire to its first victory of the year by notching his third shutout in four games.

Sparked by a pair of saves from Ring in the first half, including stops of shots by Dema Kovalenko and Ben Olsen in the 26th and 38th minutes, the Fire claimed a 1-0 victory over D.C. United. The win evened Chicago’s record on the year at 1-1-2

“I see new situations every single game,” said Ring of his starting role. “It’s kind of hard for me to believe that I’m starting after sitting for three years. That’s a long time. I’m really excited about the opportunity. The games are coming and I’m reacting and trying to react to what’s in front of me.”

This year, Ring has also notched shutouts in the Fire’s first two games of the year, a pair of 0-0 draws against Kansas City (April 3) and San Jose (April 10), and is tied for the league lead in shutouts with Dallas’ Scott Garlick. He has allowed just two goals on the year, ranking in the league’s top three in both goals against average and save percentage.

A four-year letterwinner for the Gamecocks from 1997-2000, Ring and the Chicago Fire will return to action on May 1, when they face the NY/NJ Metrostars. For more information on Henry Ring and the Chicago Fire, visit www.chicago-fire.com