Conference	Central
Stadium	Soldier Field
MLS Capacity	24,955
Investors-Operators	Philip F. Anschutz
Head Coach	Bob Bradley (3rd season 37-26)
1999 Record	18-14 (48 points), third in West
1999 Finish	Lost to Dallas in West playoffs
Key Departures	F Roman Kosecki, F Jerzy Podbrozny, D Francis Okaroh
Key Acquisitions	M DaMarcus Beasley, D Carlos Bocanegra, F Junior Agogo
Outlook	Everything changes with the arrival of Bulgarian Hristo Stoichkov, who will fill the offensive role vacated by released attackers Roman Kosecki and Jerzy Pobrozny. Hypothetically, the Fire attack could be quite exciting with Stoichkov alongside Ante Razov, newcomer Junior Agogo or young star DaMarcus Beasley. Polish midfielder Peter Nowak returns as the creative midfielder who could tandem well with Stoichkov. Josh Wolff will add further firepower when he returns from injury. Defensive midfielder Chris Armas is now a regular with the national team and plays an important role for the Fire. Defenders Lubos Kubik, C.J. Brown and top draft choice Carlos Bocanegra should form a good wall in front of seasoned goalkeeper Zach Thornton. The real question is what kind of impact the 34-year-old Stoichkov will have. Either way, the Fire will be fun to watch.
Projected 2000 Finish	Second in Central
Last Update: 03/16/00