The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Friday that the club has acquired Alvaro Fernandez from Seattle Sounders FC in return for allocation money.

Fernandez will occupy a Designated Player slot and is expected to join the team in San Jose prior to the Fire's match against the San Jose Earthquakes at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Saturday, July 28 at 9:30 p.m. CT (NBC 5.2/97.5 ESPN Deportes). Per team and MLS policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Fernandez becomes the second Designated Player added to the Fire's roster in the past week, as Dutch striker Sherjill MacDonald was signed by the club Tuesday.

"Alvaro is an experienced player that has proven himself as an offensive weapon in MLS," said Fire Head Coach Frank Klopas. "He is a versatile player and can occupy a number of positions in the midfield. This addition strengthens our squad as we enter the second half of the season."