Brian McBride: Fire and nice

What's it like playing for your hometown team?

It's pretty amazing. I grew up here, but by the time the Fire came I was already a part of MLS. Any guy could tell you that it's great to do something that you love in sports in a town that you grew up in. Not to mention that Chicago is such an amazing sports town, and Chicago fans being so passionate. Those were all big draws.

Chicago isn't really known for being a big soccer town. Is that a fair assessment?

I think in general soccer isn't considered one of the major sports in most big cities. Seattle is probably one. For the most part, it's going to be an uphill battle to try to get people who aren't soccer fans to be a soccer fan, especially with all of the other sports going on.

Doctors said you wouldn't come back from your surgery for at least another month. How did you heal so fast?

I don't think I could really tell you. The easiest explanation is that the doctor did a great job. Who knows?

How tough is it both physically and mentally to come back after two months out?

Physically is probably the biggest thing. I've got to get myself fully back for games. On the mental side, I've missed part of seasons before because of injuries so I'm kind of used to it. But it's going to take a few games to get fit and sharp. I just played a game in Salt Lake City and with the altitude, I felt a little fatigue-y. My legs aren't quite where they need to be as far as my explosiveness, but that's the sort of thing you build up.

How do you like the Fire's chances this season?

I think the Fire have a good chance. It's going to be important that we get everyone healthy. We definitely have a lot depth, and that depth is important when you've had so many injuries. Some guys have stepped up and done really well, so if we get the other guys back and fit and the guys that have stepped in to keep playing well, then we have a really good chance.

Any predictions?

[Laughs] I'm not a predictor, sorry.

You have a unique way of celebrating your goals. Could you explain it?

The most important things in my life are my God and my family. I kiss my [wedding] ring after I score to make sure my wife knows that. She's been so supportive of me and is always there for me, so the least that I can do is acknowledge that big thing. And it's such a little thing to do. Also I make the sign of the cross for God and Jesus.

If you were to steal a scoring celebration from another sport or another athlete, what would it be?

It'd be fun to pull off something that they do in football. I've always been a fan of some of the celebrations that go on in the NFL and I wish they would take the excessive celebrations penalty away because they're a lot of fun to watch. I like the ones especially that involve the whole team, like in soccer where they pull up the corner flag and pretend to shoot down all their teammates and they all fall down on the ground. But in all honesty I think that the celebration I do suits me best.

How much longer do you see yourself playing soccer?

That's a good question. I don't know. We'll see what happens at the end of this year and go from there. Right now, I feel good and I'm enjoying myself. I think I still have some years ahead of me, but I want to focus on these next four games and the playoffs. The main goal here is to win a championship--that's always been my goal since first coming back.

What's something interesting about you that most people wouldn't know?

Not much. I'm a pretty straightforward guy and my family is the most important thing to me. But I guess I've gotten into wine tasting in the past year and that's been my one sort of hobby.

Cubs or Sox?

I'm a Cubs fan, but not one that roots against the Sox.

Deep dish or thin slice?

Deep dish all the way. I love Lou Malnati's.

Favorite Chicago restaurant?

I don't really have a favorite restaurant but I'm enjoying trying to figure that out right now.