MLS Cup 2000
EventMLS Cup
Kansas City Wizards Chicago Fire
1 0
DateOctober 15, 2000
VenueRobert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
Man of the MatchTony Meola
(Kansas City Wizards)
RefereePaul Tamberino
Attendance39,159
WeatherSunny, 77 °F (25 °C)

MLS Cup 2000 was the fifth edition of the MLS Cup, the championship soccer match of Major League Soccer (MLS), the top-level soccer league of the United States. It took place on October 15, 2000, at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C., and was contested by the Kansas City Wizards and Chicago Fire to decide the champion of the 2000 MLS season.

Both teams finished atop their respective divisions, with the Wizards winning the Supporters' Shield for best overall record. The 2000 final was the first edition to not feature a team from the Eastern Division due to the three-division system used from 2000 to 2001. Kansas City had finished the 1999 season with the second-worst record in MLS, but used key acquisitions to improve under second-year coach Bob Gansler. Chicago were attempting to win their second MLS Cup title in three years.

The Wizards won 1–0 and became the first Western Division team to win the MLS Cup. The lone goal of the match was scored by Miklos Molnar in the first half; goalkeeper Tony Meola was named the match's most valuable player for his ten saves to earn a shutout. The final was played in front of 39,159 spectators and broadcast nationally on ABC.

Venue

Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium hosted the MLS Cup final for the second time.

Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C., the home of D.C. United, was announced as the host venue of MLS Cup 2000 on February 23, 2000. At the time of the match in October 2000, seating capacity of the stadium was 56,454 spectators.[1] The other bidder, Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, had been favored by the league and was unable to resolve a scheduling conflict with a college football team until too late in the selection process.[2][3]

The stadium previously hosted MLS Cup 1997, during which United won their second league championship; it was also part of the 1994 FIFA World Cup and the 1996 Olympics men's soccer tournament.[4] The 2000 final was the first MLS Cup to not feature D.C. United, as the team failed to qualify for the playoffs.[5][6]

Road to the final

The MLS Cup is the post-season championship of Major League Soccer, a professional club soccer league based in the United States. The 2000 season was the fifth in the league's history and was contested by twelve teams organized into three divisions (later renamed conferences), each with four teams.[7] The 32-match regular season, which ran for 26 weeks from March to September, was arranged to have each team play opponents within their division four times and six teams outside of their division twice; the regular season also had a set of four home-and-away matches for two out-of-division teams, determined by standings from the opposite conference in the 1999 season.[7][8] Prior to the season, MLS eliminated the previously-used countdown clock and shootout tiebreakers in favor of international rules. Referees would manage time on a count-up clock with stoppage time and tied matches would be allowed following two periods of five-minute golden goal overtime.[7][9]

The MLS Cup Playoffs ran from mid-September to October and was contested by the winners of the three divisions and five wild card teams with the most points regardless of division, who were then seeded based on overall standings.[10][11] The playoffs were organized into three rounds, the first two being a home-and-away series organized into a best-of-three format.[12] Teams were awarded three points for a win and one point for a draw, and the first team to earn five points would advance. The MLS Cup final remained a single match at a predetermined venue.[11][13]

MLS Cup 2000 was contested by the Kansas City Wizards of the Western Division and the Chicago Fire of the Central Division. Both teams finished atop their respective divisions with 57 points, but the Wizards clinched the Supporters' Shield on the goal difference tiebreaker by two goals.[14] The Fire, who won the MLS Cup in 1998, were the top-scoring team during the 2000 season, while the Wizards conceded the fewest goals.[15] Kansas City and Chicago met twice during the regular season, trading wins at home; the Wizards won 4–3 on March 25 and the Fire won 3–2 on June 4.[16] MLS Cup 2000 was the first edition of the league's championship to not feature D.C. United, whose stadium was used for the match.[6]

Kansas City Wizards

Goalkeeper Tony Meola was named the league MVP and set an MLS record with 16 shutouts during the regular season.

The Kansas City Wizards (originally the "Wiz") qualified for the playoffs in their first two seasons, finishing atop the Western Conference in 1997, but had never appeared in the MLS Cup final.[17] The Wizards then finished with a 12–20 record in 1998 and failed to qualify for the playoffs under head coach Ron Newman, who was fired after a 0–7 start the following year.[18] Newman was replaced by Bob Gansler, who finished the 1999 season with a 8–24 record, the second-worst in the league, while rebuilding the team's roster.[17][19] Several members of the inaugural season's team, including forward Vitalis Takawira and defenders Sean Bowers and Scott Uderitz, were waived by the Wizards at the end of the 1999 season, while Alexi Lalas announced his retirement.[20]

Gansler and new general manager Curt Johnson made several key signing in the offseason, beginning with the acquisition of Danish forward Miklos Molnar from Sevilla F.C. in January 2000.[21] The Wizards traded defender Scott Vermillion to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for defenders Peter Vermes and Matt McKeon, who had previously played for the Wiz.[22] The team signed two players they selected in the 2000 MLS SuperDraft: defender Nick Garcia, the second-overall pick, and Kerry Zavagnin, a third-round pick from the A-League.[23][24] Kansas City finished their preseason with a 3–2–2 record, including two weeks in Bolivia, and saw the return of goalkeeper Tony Meola from an injury that kept him from playing for most of the 1999 season.[25][26]

The Wizards opened the 2000 season with a 4–3 defeat of the Chicago Fire and went on an eleven-match unbeaten streak, amassing a 10–0–2 record through the end of May.[27] The team's turnaround was credited to an improved defense, conceding only five goals and allowing Meola to earn a league-record shutout streak of 681 minutes, and consistent production from Molnar, who scored nine goals.[28][29] The streak was broken by Chicago, who won 3–2 at Soldier Field on June 4, but Kansas City remained atop the league standings with an eight-point lead over the Los Angeles Galaxy in the Western Division.[30]

Kansas City went winless in four league matches for most of June, in part due to the absence of Molnar while playing for the Danish national team, but maintained their home shutout streak.[31][32] The team were also eliminated from the U.S. Open Cup in a penalty shootout by the Chicago Sockers of the USL Premier Development League in the third tier.[33] After a 2–0 defeat of the Galaxy and a scoreless draw with the San Jose Earthquakes, the Wizards were shutout in three consecutive losses and ended July with a 3–1 victory against the Columbus Crew.[34][35] Kansas City was represented in the 2000 MLS All-Star Game with five players, including West captain Preki, and manager Bob Gansler.[34]

The Wizards' lead in the Western Division standings narrowed to four points by early August as the team lost 5–1 and drew 1–1 with the Galaxy in back-to-back matches.[36] Kansas City then lost Meola to a national team call-up and forwards Molnar and Mo Johnston to injuries, but were able to win 3–0 in San Jose with a starting lineup of reserve players.[37][38] Following a 2–1 loss to the Miami Fusion at home, the Wizards began a five-match stretch to close out the season, including four matches played on the road. The team earned draws against the MetroStars and Colorado Rapids, clinching a playoff spot, while four of its forwards were sidelined with injuries.[39][40] Kansas City clinched the Western Division title with a 1–0 road victory against the New England Revolution, which was followed by the Supporters' Shield through a draw against the Tampa Bay Mutiny with several reserve players.[41][42] Gansler was named Coach of the Year for his team's improved record,[43] while Tony Meola earned the MLS MVP Award, Goalkeeper of the Year, and Comeback Player of the Year for his league-record 16 shutouts.[44] Peter Vermes was also named Defender of the Year for his role in the Wizards' league-best 29 goals conceded.[45]

In the quarterfinals of the MLS Cup Playoffs, Kansas City faced the eighth-seed Colorado Rapids, who had eliminated them in the first round of the 1997 playoffs.[46] The Wizards opened their playoff run with a 1–0 victory at home through a Molnar goal in the 18th minute, but were held to a scoreless draw at Mile High Stadium in Denver to force a third match in the series.[47] The Rapids had the majority of scoring chances in both matches, but were denied by Meola's goalkeeping and a strong defensive performance from the Wizards.[48][49] Kansas City advanced to the semifinals with a 3–2 victory at home in the third leg of the series, clinching a 7–1 lead on points. The Wizards took the lead in the 11th minute through a goal from Chris Henderson and followed up with two goals early in the second half from Molnar in the 65th minute and Francisco Gomez in the 69th minute; Paul Bravo scored for the Rapids a minute after Gomez's goal, but the team failed to mount a comeback after Junior Agogo was sent off with a red card.[50][51]

The Wizards played the semifinals against the fifth-seeded Los Angeles Galaxy, who had eliminated them in the 1996 playoffs and had finished as MLS Cup runners-up in 1999.[52] The first leg at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City ended in a scoreless draw as six yellow cards were given to players, including three in overtime.[53] The Wizards lost the second leg at the Rose Bowl in overtime by a 2–1 scoreline, having earned a 1–1 draw in regulation time. Kansas City fell behind in the 16th minute from a shot by Cobi Jones, but midfielder Matt McKeon equalized in the 29th minute; substitute defender Danny Califf, who had returned from the Summer Olympics team, scored a header in the third minute of golden goal overtime to clinch a Galaxy victory.[54] In the deciding third leg at Arrowhead Stadium, the Wizards went ahead in the 22nd minute through a Molnar penalty kick and won 1–0 in regulation time, tying the series at four points apiece. During the sixth minute of the ensuing sudden-death overtime, Molnar scored the team's first golden goal of the season by collecting an errant ball from Danny Califf, who had also conceded the penalty kick in regulation time.[55][56]

Chicago Fire

Bulgarian forward Hristo Stoichkov (pictured in 2016) signed a one-year contract to join the Chicago Fire in 2000

The Chicago Fire entered the league as an expansion team in 1998 and won the MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup in their inaugural season under the direction of head coach Bob Bradley and a core of veteran players from Eastern Europe.[57] Their second season ended in the first round of the playoffs, where they were eliminated by the Dallas Burn, who mounted a comeback in the third match of the series to win 3–2.[58] The Fire were able to retain most of their starting players over the offseason, but released veterans Roman Kosecki and Jerzy Podbrożny to Polish clubs and lost Frank Klopas to retirement.[59][60] In early February, Chicago acquired midfielder DaMarcus Beasley from Los Angeles and selected defender Carlos Bocanegra with the fourth pick in the MLS SuperDraft to add younger talent to their starting lineup.[59][61] Bulgarian forward Hristo Stoichkov was signed to a one-year contract the following month to serve as a veteran star for the team;[62] his signing required the trade of Francis Okaroh to Miami for compliance with the league's salary cap.[63]

After a month-long preseason in Florida and Costa Rica, the Fire began their regular season campaign with four consecutive away matches and played without goalkeeper Zach Thornton due to a calf injury.[64][65] Chicago were defeated in their first two matches, losing 4–2 to Dallas and 4–3 to Kansas City, while captain Peter Nowak and midfielder Chris Armas were sidelined with their own injuries.[66] Backup goalkeeper Greg Sutton was waived by the team after starting in the two losses and replaced by Chris Snitko, acquired in a trade with Kansas City;[67] Snitko's acquisition forced a further trade of forward Junior Agogo to comply with the league's salary cap ahead of the signing of veteran midfielder Mike Sorber from the New England Revolution.[68][69] The Fire closed out their road tour with a 2–0 victory against the Columbus Crew and a 2–3 loss to D.C. United in overtime.[67][70]

Chicago returned home to Soldier Field with a 1–0 victory against the Miami Fusion, due in part to Thornton's return from his injury and the debuts of Bocanegra and Sorber for the team.[71] The Fire settled into a stretch of five home fixtures over seven matches, winning four times and improving their record to 6–5–1 to overtake Dallas and Tampa Bay for first place in the Central Division.[72] Stoichkov was left out of the starting lineup for most of May due to a groin strain and replaced by Ante Razov, who recorded 10 goals in 12 matches to lead MLS in scoring and earned the first hat-trick in club history.[73][74] Chicago also lost a trio of key players—Razov, Armas, and defender C. J. Brown—to the U.S. national team for the 2000 U.S. Cup for two weeks in June;[75] as a result, the team dipped into second in the Central Division before regaining their lead with a victories against Kansas City and Miami at home.[76][77]

The Fire stayed atop the Central Division and were five points behind Kansas City in the overall league standings by late June, but conceded late goals to tie Los Angeles and San Jose during a three-match road trip.[78] As the team entered a crowded stretch of league and U.S. Open Cup matches, they lost several players to international call-ups as well as both Stoichkov to a torn groin muscle and defender Luboš Kubík to a sprained knee for a month.[79] Chicago fell behind Tampa Bay in the Central Division standings entering the All-Star break at the end of July after several draws and overtime matches.[80][81] The Fire defeated Tampa Bay to draw level with them on points atop the Central Division and the two team stayed tied through two more matches in mid-August.[82][83]

With four of six remaining matches against Central Division rivals,[84] the Fire began an unbeaten streak to clinch the division title and earn a 17–9–6 overall record for the regular season.[85] Following a victory against the Los Angeles Galaxy and tie with Tampa Bay, the latter ending with two injured defenders,[86] Chicago won three consecutive home matches to reach second place in the overall league standings.[87] The Fire finished the regular season with a 3–2 victory in Columbus and tied Kansas City atop the league standings with 57 points, but lost the Supporters' Shield through a tiebreaker.[88] Chicago would enter the playoffs without several injured players as well as Olympic call-ups Josh Wolff and Evan Whitfield, requiring additional lineup changes.[89] Bocanegra won the MLS Rookie of the Year Award, while the midfield trio of Armas, Nowak, and Stoichkov were named to the MLS Best XI for their regular season performances.[85][90]

In the playoff quarterfinals, Chicago faced the seventh-seeded New England Revolution, the only team they hadn't defeated during the regular season.[91][92] The first leg, played on damaged turf at Soldier Field after a National Football League game, remained scoreless at half-time but opened with a goal in the 50th minute by Wolde Harris to give the visiting Revolution a lead.[93] The Fire responded with an equalizer four minutes later through an own goal by Mauricio Wright and a second goal in the 73rd minute from Dema Kovalenko to win 2–1.[94] The series was tied at three points apiece after New England won 2–1 in the second leg at Foxboro Stadium, taking the lead through a goal from Eric Wynalda in the 18th minute. A penalty from Stoichkov was saved in first-half stoppage time, but Kovalenko managed to score an equalizer for Chicago in the 83rd minute; the Revolution responded two minutes later with a header from Wright to force a decisive third match.[95][96] The Fire hosted the final quarterfinal leg and set an MLS record for largest margin of victory in the playoffs by winning 6–0, scoring four times during the first half. Stoichkov and Razov each scored twice, the latter earning four assists to set a team record, while Nowak added a first-half stoppage time shot and Sam George finished off the match in the 75th minute with his goal.[97][98]

The Fire opened their semifinal series against the New York/New Jersey MetroStars with a 3–0 victory at Soldier Field despite missing Nowak to a hamstring injury. Stoichkov and Kovalenko each scored in the first half, while Razov added an insurance goal late in the second half and Thornton made eight saves to keep a shutout.[99][100] The MetroStars played the second leg with first-choice goalkeeper Mike Ammann, who had returned from injury, and shutout the Fire 2–0 at Giants Stadium to force a third match in the series. Mark Chung opened the scoring in the 40th minute and Adolfo Valencia added an insurance goal in the 84th minute, while the Fire offense were stifled and unable to create scoring chances until late in the second half.[101] Chicago clinched a series victory and their second MLS Cup berth by defeating the MetroStars 3–2 at Soldier Field. Following goals from Brown and Stoichkov in the first half-hour of the match, the MetroStars rallied with a pair of goals from Valencia within four minutes to tie the match at 2–2 heading into half-time. The winning goal came in the 88th minute from Razov, who received a long pass from Armas and dribbled around Ammann to break the second-half deadlock.[102][103]

Summary of results

Note: In all results below, the score of the finalist is given first (H: home; A: away). Playoffs were in best-of-three format requiring five points to advance and sudden death extra time as a tiebreaker.
Kansas City Wizards Round Chicago Fire
1st place in Western Division
 
Pos. Club Pld. W L D Pts.
1Kansas City Wizards (SS) 32167957
2Los Angeles Galaxy321410850
3Colorado Rapids321315443
4San Jose Earthquakes32717829

Source: MLS

     Qualified for playoffs
     Supporters' Shield winner

 Regular season 1st place in Central Division
 
Pos. Club Pld. W L D Pts.
1Chicago Fire 32179657
2Tampa Bay Mutiny321612452
3Dallas Burn321414446
4Columbus Crew321116538

Source: MLS

     Qualified for playoffs

Opponent
(Pts.)		 1st leg 2nd leg 3rd leg MLS Cup Playoffs Opponent
(Pts.)		 1st leg 2nd leg 3rd leg
Colorado Rapids (7–1) 1–0 (H) 0–0 (A) 3–2 (H) Quarterfinals New England Revolution (6–3) 2–1 (H) 1–2 (A) 6–0 (H)
Los Angeles Galaxy (4–4) (1–0 SDET) 0–0 (H) 1–2 (ASDET) (A) 1–0 (SDET) (H) Semifinals MetroStars (6–3) 3–0 (H) 0–2 (A) 3–2 (H)

Broadcasting

The MLS Cup final was broadcast in the United States on ABC with English commentary and Spanish via secondary audio programming. The English broadcast was led by play-by-play announcer Jack Edwards and color commentator Ty Keough, who were joined by studio hosts Rob Stone and Alexi Lalas.[104][105] The Spanish broadcast comprised play-by-play announcer Roberto Abramowitz and MetroStars coach Octavio Zambrano as color commentator.[104] The ABC broadcast drew a 1.0 national rating, matching the 1999 final.[106] The local broadcast in the Kansas City area had an estimated 5 percent share of televisions, falling behind concurrent broadcasts of the film Blank Check and a Kansas City Chiefs game that drew 64 percent.[107]

The match was also carried via streaming radio on Internetsoccer.com with English commentary from Dave Johnson and Miami Fusion coach Ray Hudson.[105][108] Local radio stations in the Chicago area also broadcast the match, including WIND-AM in Spanish and WNVR-AM in Polish.[108]

Match

Summary

The match was played on a sunny day at RFK Stadium, which had 39,159 spectators; it was played at the same time as a home Washington Redskins game at nearby FedEx Field.[109] The ceremonial pre-game coin toss was conducted by Johann Cruyff, a Dutch star and former player in the North American Soccer League.[110] Both teams fielded their normal starting lineups despite reports of a slight concussion for Fire midfielder Jesse Marsch.[111] Kansas City wore their blue home jerseys, while Chicago played in white.[112]

The Wizards kicked off at 3:30 p.m. but were dispossessed of the ball by the Fire, who quickly created a shot that forced Tony Meola to make his first save of the match.[113][114] The ensuing corner kick was sent in by Hristo Stoichkov and converted into a bicycle kick by defender Tenywa Bonseu that went over the goal. Kansas City responded with two crosses into the penalty area in the following minute that were cleared without incident by the Chicago defense. A misplayed ball from Meola in the sixth minute gave Stoichkov a chance to score from 30 yards (27 m) on an empty goal, but he instead dribbled towards goal and was tackled by the Wizards defenders.[115]

The opening goal was scored in the 11th minute by the Wizards, who used a long run along the right touchline by Chris Klein after he stole the ball from Diego Gutiérrez.[110] Klein then sent a low cross into the box that deflected off Marsch to reach Miklos Molnar, whose second attempt at a shot lightly pushed the ball into the goal.[114][116] Kansas City almost scored a second goal minutes later through a shot by Preki from outside the box that went over the crossbar. The Fire created several of their own chances to equalize through Stoichkov, but his shot in the 19th minute was high and a follow-up in the 25th minute hit the goalpost from 12 yards (11 m).[110][117] Klein, who squandered a chance with only goalkeeper Zach Thornton in front of him, sent a cross to Mo Johnston, who missed a tap-in from close range in the 34th minute.[117]

The first half ended with a 1–0 scoreline and six saves for Meola as the Wizards were outshot 16–5 by the Fire.[114] Kansas City were immediately tested in the second half by Gutiérrez's cross into the box, which Piotr Nowak shot straight at Meola. The Fire were given room to counterattack while the Wizards focused on their defense; the second half was described as "more physical" and featured five yellow cards.[117][118] In the 54th minute, a Stoichkov free kick was deflected by the Kansas City wall and bounced towards goal, where Gutiérrez attempted a shot from close range that hit the crossbar. Stoichkov was involved in the next chance minutes later as he fell in the penalty area while between Meola and Nick Garcia and unsuccessfully lobbied referee Paul Tamberino for a penalty.[110]

On a rare Kansas City attack, Molnar received a long ball in the penalty area and made a shot that was deflected over the crossbar by Thoronton.[116] It was followed by more close-range saves by Meola as the team withstood more Chicago attacks, particularly in the final ten minutes of regulation time. A slip pass by Ante Razov to Josh Wolff in the 82nd minute forced Meola to make a diving save; it was followed in the next minutes by Dema Kovalenko's shot at close range and Stoichkov's attempt.[110][114] Meola maintained a shutout as the Wizards won 1–0 to clinch their first MLS Cup title; he was named MLS Cup MVP for his ten saves during the match.[119]

Details

Kansas City Wizards1–0Chicago Fire
  • Molnar 11'
 Report
(Archived)
Attendance: 39,159
GK1United States Tony MeolaYellow card 76'
RB3United States Nick GarciaYellow card 58'
CB6United States Peter Vermes
LB4United States Brandon Prideaux
RM17United States Chris Klein (c)downward-facing red arrow 88'
CM15United States Kerry Zavagnin
CM2United States Matt McKeon
CM11United States Prekidownward-facing red arrow 74'
LM19United States Chris Henderson
FW10Scotland Mo JohnstonYellow card 48'
FW7Denmark Miklos Molnar
Substitutes:
DF20Nigeria Uche Okaforupward-facing green arrow 74'
DF21United States Francisco Gomezupward-facing green arrow 88'
Manager:
United States Bob Gansler
GK18United States Zach Thornton
RB15United States Jesse Marschdownward-facing red arrow 59'
CB2United States C.J. Brown
CB12United States Carlos Bocanegra
LB30Uganda Tenywa BonseuYellow card 76'
RM21Ukraine Dema KovalenkoYellow card 47'
CM11United States Diego Gutiérrezdownward-facing red arrow 70'
CM10Poland Piotr Nowak (c)downward-facing red arrow 83'
LM14United States Chris Armas
CF8Bulgaria Hristo Stoichkov
CF9United States Ante Razov
Substitutes:
FW16United States Josh Wolffupward-facing green arrow 59'
MF7United States DaMarcus Beasleyupward-facing green arrow 70'
MF5Czech Republic Luboš Kubíkupward-facing green arrow 83'
Manager:
United States Bob Bradley

Man of the Match:
Tony Meola (Kansas City Wizards)[120]

Assistant referees:[120]
Craig Lowry (United States)
George Vergara (United States)
Fourth official:[120]
Kevin Stott (United States)

Match rules

  • 90 minutes.
  • 30 minutes of extra time if necessary.
  • Penalty shoot-out if scores still level.
  • Seven named substitutes.
  • Maximum of three substitutions.

Post-match

The Wizards became the third team to win the MLS Cup and first from the Western Division.[110] A trio of veteran Kansas City players—Molnar, Mo Johnston, and Alex Bunbury—announced their retirement from professional soccer after the final for unspecified reasons.[117] Johnston, along with Preki and Uche Okafor, was an original member of the inaugural Wizards team who had stayed with the franchise.[121] A public celebration for the team with 2,000 fans was held at Arrowhead Stadium on October 16 after their return from Washington, D.C.[122] The replica MLS Cup trophy given to Kansas City remained in the possession of Lamar Hunt and his family until 2012, when it was returned to Sporting Kansas City (the rebranded Wizards).[123] The team hosted and won MLS Cup 2013, their second league championship, in a penalty shootout against Real Salt Lake.[124]

The Fire described the match's result as disappointing, with Stotichkov calling it a "team loss—from the goalkeeper to me on top".[125] The team returned to Chicago to train for another match the following week—the 2000 U.S. Open Cup final against the Miami Fusion, who had not played for two months.[126] The Fire won 2–1 at Soldier Field and earned their second U.S. Open Cup title.[127]

References

  1. ↑ Goff, Steven (February 24, 2000). "RFK to Host Its Second MLS Title Game". The Washington Post. p. D7. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
  2. ↑ Page, Rodney (October 7, 1999). "Tampa Bay closes in on hosting MLS Cup". St. Petersburg Times. p. C10. Retrieved August 7, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ↑ Ward, Bill (February 16, 2000). "MLS Cup won't be in Tampa". The Tampa Tribune. p. C1. Retrieved August 7, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ↑ Goff, Steven (October 20, 2017). "American soccer made its home at aging, funky RFK Stadium". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
  5. ↑ "The Road to M.L.S. Cup '00". The New York Times. September 14, 2000. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  6. 1 2 Ziegler, Mark (October 15, 2000). "Player, coach focused on redemption". San Diego Union-Tribune. p. C7.
  7. 1 2 3 "About MLS". Major League Soccer. Archived from the original on December 14, 2000. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  8. ↑ Merz, Craig (January 9, 2000). "Lots of Saturday home games in 2000". The Columbus Dispatch. p. E4.
  9. ↑ Ward, Bill (March 12, 2000). "MLS 2000: Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes". The Tampa Tribune. p. 13. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ↑ Foltman, Bob (March 16, 2000). "What's new? What isn't?". Chicago Tribune. sec. 4, p. 10. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. 1 2 Rodriguez, Alicia (October 21, 2015). "Audi MLS Cup Playoffs: Tracing the evolution of the postseason format since 1996". MLSsoccer.com. Major League Soccer. Archived from the original on December 26, 2015. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  12. ↑ "About Major League Soccer: Rules & Regulations". Major League Soccer. Archived from the original on December 21, 2002. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  13. ↑ Davis, Steve (September 20, 2000). "MLS format ties critics up in knots". Dallas Morning News. p. B11.
  14. ↑ Foltman, Bob (October 15, 2000). "MLS title showdown has all the trimmings". Chicago Tribune. sec. 3, p. 10. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ↑ "Wizards and Fire ready for MLS Cup 2000". MLSnet.com. Major League Soccer. October 9, 2000. Archived from the original on December 11, 2000. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  16. ↑ Merz, Craig (October 15, 2000). "Final isn't match made in marketing heaven". The Columbus Dispatch. p. E4.
  17. 1 2 Boyce, David (March 1, 2000). "Wizards increase intensity". The Kansas City Star. p. D10. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ↑ Luder, Bob (May 5, 1999). "A new beginning: Coaching change renews hope for 0–7 Wizards". The Kansas City Star. p. D7. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ↑ Boyce, David (May 6, 2000). "Gansler's coaching style means wins for Wizards". The Kansas City Star. p. D1. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  20. ↑ Boyce, David (November 25, 1999). "Wizards bid farewell to seven players". The Kansas City Star. p. B3.
  21. ↑ Boyce, David (January 5, 2000). "Wizards adding firepower". The Kansas City Star. p. D3. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  22. ↑ Boyce, David (February 4, 2000). "Wizards' Vermillion is traded to Rapids". The Kansas City Star. p. D3. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  23. ↑ Boyce, David (February 7, 2000). "Wizards' hopes high for top draft choice". The Kansas City Star. p. C7. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  24. ↑ Boyce, David (March 31, 2000). "Newcomer knows the game". The Kansas City Star. p. D4. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ↑ Boyce, David (March 22, 2000). "A change of attitude: Wizards revamp roster, see better days ahead". The Kansas City Star. pp. D1, D8. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ↑ Boyce, David (March 13, 2000). "Wizards lose final exhibition". The Kansas City Star. p. C3. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  27. ↑ Foltman, Bob (June 4, 2000). "Fire to face surprising Wizards". Chicago Tribune. sec. 3, p. 7. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  28. ↑ Timmermann, Tom (May 6, 2000). "Surprising KC still is undefeated". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. OT18. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  29. ↑ Spencer, Steve (May 28, 2000). "Wizards stay unbeaten with win over Mutiny". The Kansas City Star. p. C3. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  30. ↑ Boyce, David (June 5, 2000). "Wizards handed first loss". The Kansas City Star. p. C1. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  31. ↑ Boyce, David (June 26, 2000). "Wizards feel confident after ending winless streak". The Kansas City Star. p. C3. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  32. ↑ Boyce, David (June 22, 2000). "Henderson sits out because of hip injury". The Kansas City Star. p. D3. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ↑ Timmermann, Tom (June 17, 2000). "Lower-tier teams make most of their shots vs. MLS". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. OT20. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  34. 1 2 Boyce, David (July 29, 2000). "Comeback Wizards: Team's turnaround represented in All-Star lineup". The Kansas City Star. p. D1. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ↑ Boyce, David (July 23, 2000). "Wizards end slump by battling past Crew". The Kansas City Star. p. C3. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. ↑ Gutierrez, Paul (August 13, 2000). "Galaxy Fails to Take Advantage". Los Angeles Times. p. D3. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ↑ Boyce, David (August 19, 2000). "Molnar still missing from starting lineup". The Kansas City Star. p. D6. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ↑ Boyce, David (August 18, 2000). "Wizards face a short break". The Kansas City Star. p. D4. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  39. ↑ Leonard, Tim (August 24, 2000). "Short-handed Wizards gain tie with MetroStars". The Kansas City Star. p. D3. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  40. ↑ Schmitcke, Joanna (August 27, 2000). "Wizards clinch playoff spot". The Kansas City Star. p. C3. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  41. ↑ Blake, Paul (September 7, 2000). "Wizards clinches West title". The Kansas City Star. p. D7. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  42. ↑ Spencer, Steve (September 10, 2000). "Wizards claim top seed". The Kansas City Star. p. C3. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  43. ↑ Boyce, David (October 12, 2000). "Wizards' Gansler wins MLS coaching honors". The Kansas City Star. p. D3. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  44. ↑ "Tony Meola takes home MVP honors". MLSnet.com. Major League Soccer. October 13, 2000. Archived from the original on January 27, 2001. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  45. ↑ Boyce, David (October 11, 2000). "Pair of Wizards honored". The Kansas City Star. p. D1. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  46. ↑ Boyce, David (September 17, 2000). "KC shakes ghost of MLS playoffs past". The Kansas City Star. p. D19. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  47. ↑ Whitman, Robert (September 17, 2000). "Wizards blank Rapids in Game 1". Rocky Mountain News. p. C25.
  48. ↑ Pearce, Alan (September 21, 2000). "Rapids and Wizards struggle to a tie". Rocky Mountain News. p. C6.
  49. ↑ Boyce, David (September 21, 2000). "Wizards tie Rapids, fail to clinch series". The Kansas City Star. p. D1.
  50. ↑ Whitman, Robert (September 25, 2000). "Wizards eliminate late-awakening Rapids 3–2". Rocky Mountain News. p. C5.
  51. ↑ Boyce, David (September 25, 2000). "Rapid-fire Wizards win". The Kansas City Star. p. C1. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  52. ↑ Gutierrez, Paul (September 29, 2000). "Schmid Looks for a Quick Knockout". Los Angeles Times. p. D3. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  53. ↑ Gutierrez, Paul (September 30, 2000). "Drawback of Sorts for Galaxy". Los Angeles Times. p. D1. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  54. ↑ Gutierrez, Paul (October 4, 2000). "Califf Returns a Hero". Los Angeles Times. p. D1. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  55. ↑ Boyce, David (October 7, 2000). "Dyn-o-mite! – 'Danish Dynamite' Molnar scores winning goal for Wizards". The Kansas City Star. p. D1. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  56. ↑ Gutierrez, Paul (October 7, 2000). "It's End of the Road for Galaxy". Los Angeles Times. p. D2. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  57. ↑ Sánchez Pando, José Luis (October 25, 2017). "Story of a team resurrected: Chicago Fire is back in the playoffs". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  58. ↑ Foltman, Bob (March 18, 2000). "Stoichkov ready for Fire's opener". Chicago Tribune. sec. 3, p. 2. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  59. 1 2 Foltman, Bob (February 7, 2000). "Draft-day acquisition of Beasley gives Fire needed infusion of youth". Chicago Tribune. sec. 3, p. 4. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  60. ↑ Foltman, Bob (March 16, 2000). "Fire, MLS elite are tough up the middle". Chicago Tribune. sec. 4, p. 10. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  61. ↑ Ziehm, Len (February 7, 2000). "Fire gambles with draft moves". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 71.
  62. ↑ Foltman, Bob (March 16, 2000). "Bulgarian booster: Stoichkov shoots for another trophy". Chicago Tribune. sec. 4, p. 10. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  63. ↑ Foltman, Bob (March 12, 2000). "Fire heats up for potential signing of Stoichkov". Chicago Tribune. sec. 3, p. 9. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  64. ↑ McDill, Kent (January 25, 2000). "Fire opens spring training". Daily Herald. sec. 2, p. 7. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  65. ↑ Galarcep, Ives (March 29, 2000). "Unorthodox Schedule Might Explain MLS' Surprising Results". Herald News. p. D3. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  66. ↑ Foltman, Bob (March 26, 2000). "Sutton shoulders blame as Fire suffers its 2nd consecutive defeat". Chicago Tribune. sec. 3, p. 8. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  67. 1 2 Ziehm, Len (April 2, 2000). "Snitko's first game nets Fire's first win". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 107.
  68. ↑ Ziehm, Len (April 11, 2000). "A Rapids-Fire move: Agogo goes to Colorado for draft pick". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 92.
  69. ↑ Ziehm, Len (April 16, 2000). "Bradley backs up his decision to get Sorber on the field". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 124.
  70. ↑ Goff, Steven (April 9, 2000). "Nearly Dead, D.C. Kicks Back to Life". The Washington Post. p. D1. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  71. ↑ Foltman, Bob (April 16, 2000). "Stoichkov a winner with Fire". Chicago Tribune. sec. 3, p. 14. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  72. ↑ Ziehm, Len (April 28, 2000). "Fire scheduled for some wins". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 132.
  73. ↑ Ziehm, Len (May 25, 2000). "Razov caps Fire comeback vs. Burn in stoppage time". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 126.
  74. ↑ Foltman, Bob (May 7, 2000). "Razov kicks pain, kicks Fire to win". Chicago Tribune. sec. 3, p. 8. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  75. ↑ Ziehm, Len (May 30, 2000). "U.S. Cup comes at bad time for Fire, other MLS clubs". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 85.
  76. ↑ Foltman, Bob (June 5, 2000). "For Fire, the Wiz turns into a fizz". Chicago Tribune. sec. 3, p. 12. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  77. ↑ Foltman, Bob (June 8, 2000). "Fire gets 'result,' Wolff 2 goals". Chicago Tribune. sec. 4, p. 7. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  78. ↑ Foltman, Bob (June 23, 2000). "Midfielder's dream has nightmarish ending". Chicago Tribune. sec. 4, p. 11. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  79. ↑ Foltman, Bob (July 22, 2000). "Fire set to regain Kubik, Stoitchkov". Chicago Tribune. sec. 3, p. 2. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  80. ↑ Foltman, Bob (July 23, 2000). "Hard work only yields another tie for Fire". Chicago Tribune. sec. 3, p. 7. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  81. ↑ Foltman, Bob (July 21, 2000). "Thornton is coming up big in Fire goal". Chicago Tribune. sec. 4, p. 11. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  82. ↑ Foltman, Bob (August 3, 2000). "Controversial call leads to Fire victory". Chicago Tribune. sec. 4, p. 5. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  83. ↑ Foltman, Bob (August 7, 2000). "Fire gains in standings, but loses another starter". Chicago Tribune. sec. 3, p. 10. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  84. ↑ Mauch, Rick (August 17, 2000). "Korol helps Burn take spark out of Fire". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 127.
  85. 1 2 "2000 in Review". Chicago Fire FC. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  86. ↑ Foltman, Bob (August 27, 2000). "Fire fights injuries, weather". Chicago Tribune. sec. 3, p. 2. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  87. ↑ Ziehm, Len (September 7, 2000). "Fire clinches Central title". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 112.
  88. ↑ Foltman, Bob (September 10, 2000). "Fire falls short of top playoff spot". Chicago Tribune. sec. 3, p. 13. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  89. ↑ Ziehm, Len (September 24, 2000). "Fire's amazing run continues". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 123.
  90. ↑ Foltman, Bob (October 12, 2000). "Poise earns Bocanegra rookie of year honors". Chicago Tribune. sec. 4, p. 7. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  91. ↑ Crandall, Jeff (October 24, 2012). "Playoff History: Run to MLS Cup 2000". Chicago Fire FC. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  92. ↑ Foltman, Bob (September 15, 2000). "Revolutionary playoff change". Chicago Tribune. sec. 4, p. 10. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  93. ↑ Ziehm, Len (September 17, 2000). "Fire, others say field not up to par". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 126.
  94. ↑ Foltman, Bob (September 16, 2000). "Fire stumbles to playoff-opening win". Chicago Tribune. sec. 3, p. 2. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  95. ↑ Ziehm, Len (September 20, 2000). "Revolution tops Fire to force deciding game". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 148.
  96. ↑ Foltman, Bob (September 26, 2000). "Revolution forces Fire to decisive game". Chicago Tribune. sec. 4, p. 4. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  97. ↑ Foltman, Bob (September 23, 2000). "Blowout propels Fire into MLS semis". Chicago Tribune. sec. 3, p. 2. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  98. ↑ Ziehm, Len (September 23, 2000). "Fire crushes Revolution to reach semis". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 107.
  99. ↑ Foltman, Bob (September 27, 2000). "Flat MetroStars no match for Fire". Chicago Tribune. sec. 4, p. 2. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  100. ↑ Ziehm, Len (September 27, 2000). "Gutierrez pitches in to give relief to Fire". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 153.
  101. ↑ Ziehm, Len (October 1, 2000). "Ammann snuffs out Fire; Keeper's return inspires MetroStars". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 129.
  102. ↑ Rooney, Pat (October 7, 2000). "Fire's spark back in return to Cup". Chicago Tribune. sec. 3, p. 2. Retrieved March 20, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  103. ↑ Ziehm, Len (October 7, 2000). "Next up: MLS Cup; Fire jars MetroStars on Razov goal in 88th minute". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 104.
  104. 1 2 Tuchinsky, Evan (October 13, 2000). "Losing baseball easier for Costas to accept this time". Press-Enterprise. p. C3.
  105. 1 2 Flanagan, Jeffery (October 11, 2000). "Cash is still king when it comes to making baseball's playoffs". The Kansas City Star. p. D2. Retrieved March 24, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  106. ↑ Brewington, Peter (October 17, 2000). "MLS Cup rating holds steady; season attendance down". USA Today. p. C3. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  107. ↑ Flanagan, Jeffery (October 17, 2000). "Televisions weren't tuned to Wizards' MLS Cup victory". The Kansas City Star. p. C2. Retrieved March 24, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  108. 1 2 "MLS Cup 2000 facts". Chicago Sun-Times. October 15, 2000. p. 151.
  109. ↑ Boyce, David; Christopher Jr., Hearne (October 16, 2000). "Game Report". The Kansas City Star. p. C7. Retrieved January 9, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  110. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Meola leads Kansas City over Chicago for MLS title". Sports Illustrated. October 15, 2000. Archived from the original on February 26, 2002. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  111. ↑ Green, Jeff (October 15, 2000). "CNNSI.com's Green: Official starting lineups set". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on May 4, 2001. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  112. ↑ "MLS Cup jerseys throughout the years: a visual history". MLSsoccer.com. December 5, 2017. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  113. ↑ New Video (2008). History of the MLS Cup (DVD). A&E Home Video. OCLC 259960017.
  114. 1 2 3 4 Boyce, David (October 16, 2000). "Cup City! Meola's wizardry lifts KC to first title". The Kansas City Star. pp. C1, C7. Retrieved January 9, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  115. ↑ Foltman, Bob (October 16, 2000). "Fire's heat just not enough". Chicago Tribune. sec. 3, p. 1. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  116. 1 2 Straus, Brian (October 16, 2000). "Molnar Wins It His Way". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  117. 1 2 3 4 Guido, Anthony (October 15, 2000). "Meola and Molnar shine as Kansas City downs Chicago 1–0 at MLS Cup 2000". MLSnet.com. Major League Soccer. Archived from the original on February 8, 2001. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  118. ↑ Goff, Steven (October 16, 2000). "Wizards' Meola Saves Best for Last". The Washington Post. p. D1. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  119. ↑ Brewington, Peter (October 15, 2000). "Meola saves his best for MLS Cup". USA Today. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  120. 1 2 3 "Highlights: KC Wizards vs. Chicago Fire, MLS Cup 2000". MLSsoccer.com. Major League Soccer. Archived from the original on January 24, 2021. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  121. ↑ Boyce, David (October 16, 2000). "Victory is special for three". The Kansas City Star. p. C7. Retrieved January 9, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  122. ↑ Boyce, David (October 17, 2000). "It's celebration time: Arrowhead rally honors MLS champion Wizards". The Kansas City Star. p. C1. Retrieved January 9, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  123. ↑ Palmer, Tod (February 24, 2012). "Sporting KC to be reunited with trophy". The Kansas City Star. Archived from the original on April 30, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  124. ↑ McDowell, Sam (December 7, 2013). "Sporting KC captures MLS Cup in thrilling penalty-kick shootout". The Kansas City Star. Archived from the original on December 14, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  125. ↑ Lewis, Michael (October 15, 2000). "No goals, no champagne for Chicago". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on February 24, 2002. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  126. ↑ Foltman, Bob (October 21, 2000). "Well-rested Fusion wary of Fire's power". Chicago Tribune. sec. 3, p. 8. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  127. ↑ Foltman, Bob (October 22, 2000). "As critical off-season beckons, Fire wins Open Cup". Chicago Tribune. sec. 3, p. 13. Retrieved January 9, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.