Naperville Native Inks Deal with MLS Chicago Fire

Chicago Fire announced Thursday that 22-year-old midfielder Brendan King has been signed to play for the club.

A former Notre Dame soccer standout and Naperville native has signed a deal to play with the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer. Get news in your inbox. Sign up for the Patch newsletter. Like Naperville Patch on Facebook. Brendan King, a 22-year-old midfielder from Naperville, is set to join the "Men in Red" in the second leg of the preseason, pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate, according to a Chicago Fire release. “Brendan is a local product that we have watched over the years,” said Fire President of Soccer Operations Javier Leon in a release. “He is a talented, versatile player and it speaks highly of our player development system that we are able to add him to the first team roster.” In 2012, King spent his …

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Naperville Central Alum Climbing the Ladder in Life and On Screen

Actor William Sandy Smillie tells his story about how perseverance and dedication landed him a role on NBC's newest series, "Chicago Fire."

Naperville Central Alum Climbing the Ladder in Life and On Screen

Actor William Sandy Smillie tells his story about how perseverance and dedication landed him a role on NBC's newest series, "Chicago Fire."

Walking into his Rogers Park apartment as his phone rings for a scheduled interview, William Sandy Smillie needs a couple minutes to take off his coat and collect his thoughts before answering questions from a reporter. Get news in your inbox. Sign up for the Patch newsletter. Like Naperville Patch on Facebook. Although Smillie said he had a short day -- wrapping up his regular job at 1 p.m., he ended up doing a last-minute voice-over job that kept him until the evening interview. Such is life these days for Smillie, whose "regular job" is cast member of new NBC show "Chicago Fire" and after years of struggling now welcomes the busy schedule. Smillie, with his red hair and face that looks younger than his age of 38, likely would be …

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Residents Celebrate Nike Sports Complex Expansion Opening

The park expansion included adding artificial turf and lights for night games.

A light rain couldn't keep the sports fans away as hundreds of people attended the opening ceremony for the Naperville Park District's  expanded Nike Sports Complex Saturday morning. A group of children ran through the red ribbon, signifying the official opening of the park. And, it wouldn't be an event in Naperville if Mayor George Pradel wasn't on hand. Pradel ran through the ribbon along with the children. “It’s a little bit different than what I normally do,” Pradel said. “We’re supporting a healthy lifestyle in Naperville.” The 20-acre expansion includes an artificial turf field that can be used for football, soccer, lacrosse and cricket. The field is also equipped with lights, allowing for night time activities. Furthermore, the …

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