White, Meola, and Terens headline team to broadcast games on WGN-TV.
CHICAGO, IL–Chicago Fire FC continue to impress at least off the pitch and did so again by announcing their broadcast team for this season. Arlo White will do play-by-play for the Fire between the end of the English Premier League season (May 17th) and the start of the Olympics (soccer starts July 22nd). His debut will likely be the May 23rd match against FC Cincinnati. Prior to joining NBC, White called games for Seattle Sounders FC from 2010 to 2011.
“I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I said that my first visit to Chicago in 1986, as a wide-eyed 13-year-old visiting my uncle and auntie, had a profound impact on the course of my life,” said White. “It ignited a love of this city and of the United States. I’ve been obsessed with all things Chicago and Americana ever since. If you’d told that English teenager that 30-odd years later he would have the opportunity to call football matches for the Fire’s return to Soldier Field? Well, I think he’d have cried tears of joy. I’ve been back to the city countless times since that first trip. I just love being here. It feels like my home away from home. This is an exciting year for Chicago Fire FC, and I am delighted to bring my experience to the Soldier Field booth.
“I’d also like to thank NBC Sports for allowing me to pursue this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with the Chicago Fire in a city that I adore, during the Premier League offseason.”
An unexpected addition was Tony Meola as color-commentator. Meola; the former US National Team, MetroStars, and Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper; co-hosts the Sirius XM radio show Counter Attack in the afternoons from 3-6pm CT. He also has been an analyst for FOX’s World Cup and MLS coverage.
“I’m excited to join the Fire broadcast team and look forward to working with Arlo and Tyler this year,” said Meola. “This season will be an exciting one for the club with a new Head Coach, a homecoming at Soldier Field, a new broadcast partner in WGN and the continued passion of the fans. I am looking forward to a great season.”
While White is doing Premier League coverage, Tyler Terens will fill in. Terens, 26, was the play-by-play voice for Phoenix Rising of the USL Championship for the last two seasons and has called CONCACAF, US Open Cup, and NCAA matches.
“I have always loved playing football but my passion for Major League Soccer was fostered by my uncle, a life-long Chicago Fire season ticket holder,” said Terens. “I remember watching Josh Wolff, Ante Razov and John Thorrington and getting my first introduction to MLS. To be joining a club that has such a storied history and is close to my heart – and my family – is surreal. I am honored to work alongside two quintessential professionals in Arlo and Tony. I can’t wait to help bring a passionate, informed and fun broadcast to Fire fans.”
Soccer will make its return to WGN-TV on Saturday when the Fire visit New England Revolution. The match will also be streamed on ESPN+.
