Chicago Fire have invited plenty of rookies and trialists to train with the rest of the players during their pre-season camp.

New coach Carlos de los Cobos took charge of 28 players this week as the squad prepares for a two-week stint at Arizona State University and among them were new and old faces.

Defender CJ Brown said this was the time of year where it was important to get to know everybody as a whole host of new players have emerged including fresh-faced rookies.

"It feels good to be with the guys," Brown said. "I think this is an introduction to the coaching staff. The first two weeks is always a good time to get to know everybody."

Rookies and draftees including Corben Bone, Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Drew Yates and Sean Johnson plus new El Salvadoran acquisition Julio Martinez were all in attendance and veteran striker Brian McBride said de los Cobos would have them all working towards the same goal very soon.

"We have had a few quick conversations," McBride said of de los Cobos. "I only know very little about him, but since Monday, he has expressed his philosophy, how much he feels it is important to be a team and enjoy what you are doing, but do it with character and pride and to work hard. That entices a lot of people."

Another new signing, Polish defender Krzysztof Krol, is expected to link up with the squad in Arizona along with four trialists as de los Cobos strives to bring together a playing roster that will attempt to better last season's fifth-placed overall finish.