It is so important to remember the past. Following Chicago Fire in the MLS isn’t all about the next game you have to play. ‘Ring of Fire’ has nothing whatsoever to do with a Johnny Cash record. Set up in 2003, ‘Ring of Fire’ has the task of paying tribute to those who have made the club successful in the past.
It was set up not just by the football club itself, but also the Chicago Fire Alumni Association. First to be inducted was Piotr Nowak in 2003. Nowak had a successful career in European soccer before heading to Chicago in 1998.
114 games for Chicago Fire saw the Polish midfielder score 26 goals. His presence in the team was important as it was Chicago’s first season in the MLS. During his time with the club, he helped Fire win the MLS Cup in 1998 and two US Open triumphs in 1998 and 2000. With him being voted three times as the Chicago Fire MVP, it was inevitable perhaps that he’d be the first member of the ‘Ring of Fire’ after retiring in 2003.
The following year saw Nowak joined in the ‘Ring of Fire’ by Frank Klopas. The Greek enjoyed great success playing indoor for Chicago Sting with 62 goals in 140 games. He returned home to play soccer for AEK Athens but came back to the US and had two successful seasons with Chicago Fire. He’ll be forever known for scoring the two goals in Chicago Fire’s first ever home game at Soldier Field.
According to illinoisgambler.com, betting on the MLS is possible now with online bookies. You can bet your dollars on Chicago Fire games in a growing number of US states and that includes Illinois with plenty of markets available.
Chicago Fire are struggling this year and unlikely to make the play-offs. You can place bets at sites such as PointsBet and DraftKings on all their games as well as other soccer leagues such as the English Premier League.
Lubos Kubik was the 2005 inductee He was another member of the Chicago Fire squad that was so successful between 1998 and 2000. Kublik is probably also the only man who will ever be able to say they’ve been an assistant coach for the US national team and coached English lower league side Torquay United though he only won one game with them.
More successful as a coach has been the 2006 inductee Peter Wilt. He was the first President and General Manager of the club when they entered the MLS. He enjoyed massive success in his seven seasons he was in charge. An MLS Cup, three US Open Cup triumphs and one Supporter’s Shield. No wonder the fans complained so much when fired in 2005.
Other notable members of the ‘Ring of Fire’ are former US head coach Bob Bradley. He managed the club to their early successes in the MLS. Midfielder Chris Armas played 214 games for the club, while Center Back C J Brown was inducted after playing for Chicago Fire 296 times.
2015 saw Ante Razov become a member of the Ring of Fire. The American striker scored a club record 94 goals in all competitions for the club. That’s 39 goals more than any other player, so it was no surprise to see him inducted. Who’ll be the next inductee? Nemanja Nikolic who scored 51 goals for them must be a possibility.
