It was ten years ago today that MLS' first expansion team defied historic odds and captured the MLS Cup championship in its inaugural season. The Chicago Fire defeated the only other champion MLS ever knew to that point, DC United, 2-0 in front of more than 50,000 fans in the Rose Bowl. Ten years later, the key members of the organization continue to make their mark in soccer, sports and entertainment in the United States.
Where are they now?
Bob Bradley, Head Coach. Head Coach, US Men's National Team
Mike Jeffries, Asst. Coach. Asst. Coach, Chicago Fire
Denis Hamlett, Asst. Coach. Head Coach, Chicago Fire
Ron Stern, Team Administrator. Director of Team Operations, Chicago Fire
Rich Monis, Head Trainer Athletic Trainer Liaison, Chicago Fire
Peter Nowak, Midfielder, Captain. Asst. Coach, US Men's National Team
Frank Klopas, Forward. Technical Director, Chicago Fire
Chris Armas, Midfielder. Asst. Coach, Chicago Fire
CJ Brown, Defender. Defender, Captain, Chicago Fire
Diego Gutierrez, Defender. Midfielder, Chicago Fire
Jesse Marsch, Midfielder. Midfielder, Chivas USA
Zach Thornton, Goalkeeper. Goalkeeper, Chivas, USA
Jorge Campos, Goalkeeper. Asst. Coach Mexico Men's National Team
Lubos Kubik. Defender. Asst. Coach, US Olympic Team
Roman Kosecki, Forward. Deputy for Civic Platform, Sejm (Polish Parliament)
Francis Okaroh, Defender. Director, Francis Okaroh's Ultimate Soccer Academy
Tommy Soehn, Defender. Head Coach, DC United
Josh Wolff, Forward. Forward, Kansas City Wizards
Manny Lagos, Midfielder. President, Minnesota Thunder
Josh Keller, Midfielder. Director, Formation Sports & Media Marketing
Zak Ibsen, Defender. US National Beach Soccer
Brian Bates, Defender. Youth Coach, Albion SC
Dusty Hudock, Goalkeeper. Goalkeeper, Charleston Battery
Steve Pastorino, Dir. of Marketing. General Manager, US Team Handball Federation
Kevin Spudic, Dir. of Ticket Sales. Director of Business Development, Toyota Park
Dan Garnett, Ticket Manager. General Manager, Toyota Park
Denise Wilmer, Dir. of Community Relations. Manager, Marketing and Planning, Sears
Diana Lopez, PR Manager. VP Communications,CMN Events
Jessica Yavitz, Intern. Dir. of Community Relations, Chicago Fire
Executive Dir., FireWorks For Kids Foundation
There were many others both on and off the field who contributed greatly to this day ten years ago. It was a special year with a very special group of people. We have all moved on to new challenges and we're all fortunate to have taken special memories of that sunny fall afternoon in Pasadena a decade ago. A month from now, i'll be in the LA area again for MLS Cup. It would be great to have Frank, Denis, Mike, Chris, CJ, Diego, Ron and Rich there as well fighting for the Fire's second MLS Cup title.
i remember where i was October 25, 1998...in Pasadena, California doused in champagne. Do you remember where you were?
2 comments:
Do I ever... It seems like just yesterday to me. I feel the sun on my head in our rented Chrysler Seabring convertible. I see us walking on the Santa Monica Pier after throwing a few back, west coast style. I taste the bubbly from my first and only locker room celebration. Thanks to whomever made Roman cover up while I was there. My heart jumps remembering how I danced EVERY dance that night and with everyone. I bet Chris Armas' dad asks about me from time to time because we tripped the light fantastic!
Thank you Peter for making me stop to remember. It was truly one of my favorite days. Ever.
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