Chicago Fire FC at Soldier Field
Named for the 1871 disaster that reshaped Chicago, the Fire were a reflection of their hometown from the start. During their inaugural season in 1998, the roster included several Polish players, a Czech, and a Mexican. It was as if the team had been assembled during a drive up Ashland Avenue.
With Bob Bradley coaching, the Fire's first season featured an 11-game winning streak and then a surprise run in the playoffs. It culminated in an MLS Cup Final against the two-time defending champions, D.C. United, for whom Bradley previously worked as an assistant. Chicago put up a pair of first-half goals and stoned D.C. on the other end, winning 2-0 and claiming a championship.
Veljko Paunović coached the Fire from 2015-2019 and the club is currently coached by Ezra Hendrickson.
Today, the club is owned by Joe Mansueto, the founder of an investment research and management firm called Morningstar Inc. The Fire play their home games at Soldier Field, also home to the NFL's Chicago Bears. If you're in attendance, be sure to keep an eye out for the rowdy Section 8 Chicago supporters. With their tifos and chanting, they'll be hard to miss.
