Tokenism creates short-term ticket sales but that kind of fan won't stick with the team. Unless the product is good -- and is viewed as good -- they won't come back for a second, third and fourth game. It's not just about having a good product, it's about convincing them they have a good product.

Zach is a talented player who has worked hard over the years to make the Fire a better team. 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.

We thought he was the best forward still available [in the draft]. He might have been the best forward available, period.

This is fantastic. I didn?t know what to expect, ... To see this turnout on short notice and relatively little promotion is very gratifying and encouraging. Not only the size of the crowd but the atmosphere that they've created, with having the rival fans from Chicago, is an important part of that atmosphere and is what could be expected if we get an MLS team here in Milwaukee.

We believe his return this year is unlikely, however, because we are certain Zach will show his new club the skill and leadership that made him successful for six seasons in Chicago.

I'm really pleased. I wasn't sure what to expect because there wasn't much in the way of publicity. But the Wave United did a nice job on a grass-roots level to get the word out.

This has been a difficult year for Rodrigo and we hope that a fresh start with a new club will allow him the opportunity to renew his career in Major League Soccer. I spoke to Rodrigo yesterday and he was appreciative of his treatment by the Fire and he wished he could have done more to help the team.