1998 MLS Season

The 1998 season saw one of the greatest expansion stories in sports history as the Chicago Fire, coached by Bob Bradley, won both the MLS Cup and the U.S. Open Cup in their very first season.

Teams
12
MLS Cup Champion
Chicago Fire
vs D.C. United (2-0)

Awards

AwardWinner
MVPMarco Etcheverry
Golden BootStern John (26 goals)
Newcomer of the YearCarlos Llamosa
Goalkeeper of the YearZach Thornton
Coach of the YearBob Bradley
Supporters’ ShieldLA Galaxy

Best XI

Zach ThorntonCarlos BocanegraMarco EtcheverryStern JohnAnte Razov

Expansion Teams

Chicago FireMiami Fusion

Major Signings

  • Hristo Stoichkov to Chicago Fire

Key Moments

  • Chicago Fire win MLS Cup and US Open Cup in their inaugural season
  • Miami Fusion joins MLS