Chicago Fire midfielder Alvaro Fernandez to play for Uruguay national team

Chicago Fire midfielder Alvaro Fernandez will play for the Uruguay national team for the team's World Cup qualifying matches in October.

Fernandez, who is nicknamed "El Flaco", was acquired by Chicago Fire from the Seattle Sounders in July in exchange for allocation money. In 20 games this season, Fernandez has four goals and two assists. He has played in the MLS since 2010.

Fernadez's first match for the Uruguayan national team will come against Argentina on Oct. 12. They will then face Bolivia on Oct. 16. If the schedule works out as it should, Fernandez would not miss Chicago's Oct. 20 match-up with the New England Revolution.

Fire head coach Klopas was very complimentary of the Uruguayan midfielder when his team acquired him midseason, according to Steve Wojcik of CSN Chicago.

"Alvaro is an experienced player that has proven himself as an offensive weapon in MLS," Fire Head Coach Frank Klopas told the site. "He is a versatile player and can occupy a number of positions in the midfield."

The Chicago Fire are 16-9-5 this season.