In the dying minutes of the U.S. Open Cup final on Tuesday night you simply had to question, could such a memorable cup run really end like this? Backs against the wall, defending desperately against a constant sea of green, having the big Sean Johnson and both posts to thank for keeping the Chicago Fire alive, and crossing your fingers and maybe, maybe even praying that the men in red could grab a late and dramatic equalizer to send the match into extra-time. Continue reading
Filed under Match Analysis
Who can ever forget where it all began? It may have been 13 long years ago from now, but Frank Klopas’ overtime winning goal in the 1998 US Open Cup Final against Columbus was the start of a legacy for both the club and himself in this competition. The Fire ran out 2-1 winners that day and 13 years later, the man who helped the Chicago Fire win its first US Open Cup title is seeking to help the team win its record fifth title in Seattle on Tuesday night. Here, we take the chance to revisit the highlights of that incredible match in 1998 and eagerly look forward to what will hopefully be another memorable cup final. Stay tuned for more coverage and build-up to the US Open Cup Final…
Filed under Match Previews, Video
A – Argentinean magic: Sebastian Grazzini has been a major reason for the Fire turning around a season that appeared destined for failure. To say the least, he has certainly been the answer to the Fire’s attacking problems. His Samba dance isn’t half bad either.
El Magico - a fantastic midseason addition to the Fire
B – Breaking bad: It wasn’t a great first half of the season by any means. After defeating Sporting Kansas City in its first home match of the season on March 26th, the Fire would go 11 matches without another league win. Fortunately, the month of August has seen the Fire finally turn things around.
C – Carlos de los Cobos: Deservedly sacked in May after a horrendous start to the new season. And although Frank Klopas didn’t have the best of starts, a lot of this season has been about repairing the damage caused by CLDC.
Not exactly "number one" in Chicago
‘The header by Razov… Klopas scores!!’
That’s where it all began. In the 99th minute at Soldier Field in the 1998 US Open Cup final – Chicago’s inaugural season – Frank Klopas popped up in the six yard box to give the Fire a 2-1 lead over Columbus for its first ever US Open Cup triumph (see video at bottom). Now, thirteen years later, the Fire legend and current Interim Head Coach has the chance to lead the men in red to its sixth final of this tournament when they take on the Richmond Kickers at Toyota Park on Tuesday night. Continue reading
Filed under Match Previews
