So I'm stealing this idea from the DC forum. Sue me. I think it's a good way to start thinking about the new year. Just talk about or cite specific great (or even, not-so-great) games/events/players in the history of the team. We'll try to keep this going for the long term and it'll be a good reference for posterity.
For me, I'll never forget Stoitchkov gettnig a yellow iin the US Open Cup game against Pittsburgh for telling the ref to "go ******** himself." I was so proud when I learned that the multi-lingual Stoitchkov thought enough of playing in MLS to learn to say it in English, as opposed to Spanish, Bulgarian, or any of the other languages he speaks.
For me it's Klopas scoring the game winning goal in the 98 Open Cup final against the bananna republic er Crew
any game without Curtis Spiteri (or whatever his name was) in goal. OK, really, any of countless Nowak runs down the middle of the field on goal.
I was having a conversation with a certain GM the other day and we were discussing the top 5 or top 10 most exciting Fire games ever. Here was my list (not in order): That Colorado game last fall clinching the Supporters Shield Open Cup 2003 vs Metro both of the Double games in 98, open cup and MLS Final This past Wednesday night vs 5/3 Lasalle Bank One TCF Banco Popular Finacial Jabloteh Maybe the 4th of July weekend game 7-0 vs wizards That dallas game where we came back to win 4-3 in May 2000. Thats my short list at least. If you asked nicely you might be able to get Peter to chime in.
Didn't we already do this thread before? And I'm pretty sure Peter asked fans to email him with their favorite moments and then he wrote his Top 5 (or Top 10)
Certainly up for discussion, but this is a list of the "most exciting games" that Denis and i came up with after Wednesday's game: 1) 2000 open cup semifinal at LA 2) 1998 open cup final at chicago over CBus 3) 1998 MLS semifinal game 3 at Chicago over LA in shootout 4) 2003 open cup final at NY 5) 2004 CONCACAF 1/4final at Chicago over SJ Jabloteh 6) 2003 at Chicago over Colorado Supporters Shield clinching game 7) 2003 MLS Eastern Conference final at Chicago over NE. 8) 1998 MLS Cup Final at LA over DC peter
You guys were on the losing end, but I'd think that Game 3 of the 1999 Western Conference Finals should make a "most exicting games" list for the Fire.
Any of our championships are automatic of course. But I'll NEVER forget the feeling I had entering the stadium from the inside concourse - wondering what all the noise was that I was hearing 40 minutes before the game. Only tro discover it was the crowd already cheering and banging their thundersticks. I got MAJOR chill bumps that continued for the entire game. I can't imagine a non-championship moment that could ever top it. It was for me, Soccer Heaven.
How can you guys forget Lubos's homecoming. I'm not a fan of either team, and I remember that game being a gripping game to watch (mostly because it was arguably the worst refereed game in MLS history). http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/mls/news/2001/kubiksusp/
hahahah yeah I remeber that game. We also wore the gold jerseys and Wynalda scored. That was excellent, I remeber isting on the couch laughing.
1) MLS CUP '98 vs. DC 2) 2000 US Open Cup Semifinal vs. LA 3) The entire 2003 season 4) 2003 US Open Cup Final vs. Metros 5) 2004 CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal vs. SJ Jabloteh 6) 1998 US Open Cup Final vs. Columbus 7) 2001 Champs Night vs. Dallas
Everybody is forgetting the inaugural home game for the Fire in 1998. Frank Klopas scored the first 2 goals giving the fire the win. There was about 30,000 in Soldier Field and there was not enough security. They had no clue what to do when the smoke bombs were going off and they just gave up. The energy in the stadium that night was incredible.
There are two games that I think of that give me really happy memories. They are both from last season in Naperville. The first was against the Metros when we won 2-1 in OT when Razov hit that cracker into the top corner past Howard to win the match. The second game was the last game against LA in Naperville, when Perez scored in the 75th minute. I dont remember ever screaming so loud at a match as I did the last 15 minutes of that match after we scored.
Agree with most of the games listed so far, but... I'll add the Famous Stuart Dougal Match against DC United as another memorable match (may of '99?). And the next season, I think, the DC Match that was scoreless after 65 minutes, and 3-2 Fire after 80 minutes, with the Fire getting the opener, then falling behind, then equalizing and getting the winner all in a 15 minute span. My friend and I took two non-soccer fans to that game... both have gotten season ticket packages ever since, regardless of where the Fire played.
For my money, the '00 Open Cup semifinal was the best moment ever, even better than any of the championship matches. A match that had passion, controversy, a great comeback and a hell of a celebration, both at the stadium and at the Map Room. One great memory.
Since to me "the Fire" includes us, the fans, I think some great Fire fan moments have to include (in no particular order): * Moving Section 8 from one end of CS to the other * The first bus trip to KC * MLS Cup 98 for those fans lucky enough to have gone * The Great Breading of '03 * The MLS Open Cup game in Wheaton for the celebration with the players immediately after the winning goal I'm sure others here with better memory than mine can add a lot more...
The USOC game verses LA when we all switched end zones at half time. The Fire/Rapids game. 4-3 winner. I still want a copy of this game. The Fire/Revs Eastern Conference Championship game. USOC Final out in New Jersey. That and partying with the team afterward. Game at Naperville where Flynn was mega drunk.
Brilliant night! Cold wet and drunk,is there anyother way for a Fire Home Opener?I probably couldnt even tell you anything about the game, but it was one hell of an evening.The First Fire Home game HAS to be on any top 10 list. I would also agree with the 98 OC Final against the Crew.Frankies Goal and the call on FSC werre classics.Hmm that was a cold wet and drunk night alos.. Great Fire Games = Cold and wet?
That game was what, Metros-Fire in 2000 I think? 3-1 to us I think. That's more of a 'great moment in beer drinking history' than anything.
No sir, 2-1 over the Galaxy in 2000. Hristo with the pk to tie. Whitfield with the breakaway winner. Huge win, breakout game for young DaMarcus. Never has one man wanted nachos so badly.
Again, I refer my forgetfulness to "Great Moments In Beer Drinking History". Nothing at all like Flynn Aught Three, however. May no man ever get that drunk again.
We merged Kenn's radio call with the in house video and made a few copies. If anyone would like one, send a check for $15 to the Chicago Fire attention Kim 980 N. Michigan Avenue Suite 1998 Chicago, IL 60611 and we'll mail you a copy. peter