The American soccer world was shaken today by the biggest and arguably most important homegrown signing in MLS history when 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan was unveiled as a Philadelphia Union player. The young attacking midfielder is widely regarded as the best player of his age group in the world, the most
As the final whistle of MLS Cup 1998 echoed through the Rose Bowl, Chicago Fire midfielders Chris Armas and Jesse Marsch raced to embrace goalkeeper Zach Thornton. The Men in Red had just clinched a stunning 2-0 victory over the league's first dynasty, D.C. United, before more
The moment Kellyn Acosta stepped off the field in the second half of last year’s MLS Cup, the free agency clock began to tick. Three months and one half-field buzzer-beater later, he seems to be fitting in just fine with the Chicago Fire. Acosta’s exciting start to life
Ever since Chicago Fire owner Joe Mansueto purchased FC Lugano in 2021, the synergy between the two clubs has reaped benefits for both. Homegrown defender Justin Reynolds will complete his short-term loan move to the sister club in the Swiss Super League, writing a new chapter in the relationship and
When Lionel Messi announced his intention to sign with Inter Miami and Major League Soccer in June of this year, it was hailed as a landmark moment for the sport in the United States. The addition of the greatest player in the world and arguably one of the most famous
Note: This is the final part of our four part series. If you haven’t already, check out Part I, Part II, and Part III. Shortly after Georg Heitz’s hiring as Sporting Director of the Chicago Fire was announced in December 2019, he met with the media. He set
Note: This is the third part of a four part series. If you haven’t already, check out Part I where we put the Fire’s results in the past four years into context, and Part II, which looks at player signings. Within a few months of being hired in
Setting aside Lionel Messi of Inter Miami, there was arguably no bigger MLS signing in the last few years than Javier “Chicharito” Hernández. The ex-Mexican international, who is the all-time leading goalscorer for El Tri, arrived at the Los Angeles Galaxy with much bravado, having been sought after by MLS
Note: This is the second part of a four part series. If you haven’t already, check out Part I where we put the Fire’s results in the past four years into context. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the team’s high roster spend and generally disappointing results, many of the
The Fire’s loss on Decision Day gave them an ignominious honor: They now have the longest active playoff drought in the league and are the sole owners of the second-longest playoff drought in league history at six seasons, following only Toronto FC’s eight season stretch from 2007-2014. We’
The 2023 Chicago Fire season has come to an end, so it's time to hand out some end-of-season honors. Last week, MIR97 readers submitted their votes on eight different awards, and throughout the week, we'll be announcing the winners. This story will be updated as the
Kei Kamara quietly walks into the back of a small movie theater in Waukegan, Illinois. There is not a huge crowd, but they are energized as the then-38-year-old striker entered the cinema. Following a screening of a short film about his journey from war-torn Sierra Leone to MLS, he fielded
From playing alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger in the Chicago Fire’s midfield to co-founding both the Chicago House Athletic Club and his vibrant events company, House Calls, during the latter years of his professional career, Drew Conner has left and continues to leave a mark on the city of Chicago as
Wyatt Omsberg’s four years in Chicago have been something of a rollercoaster. An often-forgotten piece of depth in his first two seasons in 2020 and 2021, things took off for the Maine native when he had a dream start to the 2022 season. Omsberg played every minute at right
When Ariel Lassiter blasted a shot towards goal from close range, it should have resulted in a winning goal for CF Montréal against the Chicago Fire. It should have sent the electric crowd at Stade Saputo into a state of delirium, sending his team one step closer to returning to
Nearly ten years ago, Frank Klopas made a choice. He had just stepped down as head coach of the Chicago Fire after two seasons, a team he had been involved with in some capacity for a good part of 15 years as a player, trainer, technical director, and manager, but