<P> The franchise is named after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 , and was founded on October 8 , 1997 , the event 's 126th anniversary . The team began play in 1998 as one of the league 's first expansion teams . The Fire won the MLS Cup as well as the U.S. Open Cup ( the `` double '' ) on their first season . They also won U.S. Open Cups in 2000 , 2003 , and 2006 , in addition to the 2003 MLS Supporters ' Shield . </P>
<P> The franchise is named after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 , and was founded on October 8 , 1997 , the event 's 126th anniversary . The team began play in 1998 as one of the league 's first expansion teams . The Fire won the MLS Cup as well as the U.S. Open Cup ( the `` double '' ) on their first season . They also won U.S. Open Cups in 2000 , 2003 , and 2006 , in addition to the 2003 MLS Supporters ' Shield . </P>
when did the chicago fire soccer team start
when did the chicago fire soccer team start
October 8 , 1997
October 8 , 1997