Feb. 1, 2012

CHICAGO - Former UIC men's soccer standout and Chicago Fire midfielder Baggio Husidic has opted to join Swedish second-flight side Hammarby. The 24-year-old Bosnian-American, who made 50 appearances in three seasons with the Fire, signed a two-year pre-deal, and will be expected to be among the main cogs in Hammerby's central midfield.

"Baggio is a player that understands the game well and using his technical abilities, he has the ability to place his teammates in great situations with his passing game," said Hammarby head coach Gregg Berhalter.

Husidic scored five goals in his three seasons with the Fire. He was recently drafted by Colorado Rapids but chose to play the next phase of his professional soccer career in Stockholm and "Bajen."

Husidic came to the United States as a 10 year old from Bosnia and settled in Chicago, where he has lived since. At UIC, Husidic was a 2008 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) First-Team All-American, the first player in program history to accomplish that feat. He also collected Horizon League Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2008, capping off his third-straight season as an All-League performer.

Husidic scored 12 goals in three seasons with the Flames, and also added seven assists. Five of his goals were game-winners.

Husidic, who was awarded a "Generation adidas" contract in 2009, spearheading the beginning of his MLS career, will strengthen the center of Hammerby's midfield, both defensively and offensively. He also has experience as a right midfielder.

"Baggio will lend a nice balance to our central midfield by coming through on counter attacks from the back. We are very happy to have him here in Hammarby," Berhalter said.

Hammarby will kick off its 2012 Superettan schedule on April 12.