Klopas, Frankie
Position: Midfielder
Date of Birth: 09/01/1966
Height: 5' 9" Weight: 155 lbs
Caps: 39
Goals: 12
Biography:
Nicknamed "The Kid," Klopas began his professional career as one at the age of 17. On June 5, 2004, Klopas was formally inducted into the Chicago Fire's annual tribute, "Ring of Fire," which was created in 2003, honoring members of the Fire, who have made the club a successful organization while displaying the qualities of leadership, dedication and integrity. A strong member of the US National Team, Klopas played from 1987-1998. He was a member of the 1994 U.S. World Cup squad, the 1995 Copa America team, and the 1988 U.S. Olympic Team.
National Team Highlights:
1995 - Played in ten games, starting seven of them. He scored one goal, on July 14 against Argentina in a 3-0 win.
1994 - Member of World Cup squad. Started 12 games, played 15. Scored eight goals.
1993 - Started and played one game.
1991 - Started and played one game. Scored a goal.
1990 - Played one game.
1989 - Played five games, started two of them.
1988
- Played six games, staring five. Scored two goals. Scored first goal
of international career against Jamaica in a 5-1 win on August 13
(scored two that day).
Professional Highlights:
1998 - 1999 - Moved to
Chicago Fire (MLS). Played 40 games and scored 17 points on six goals
and five assists during the two seasons. Klopas ended the Fire's
inaugural season in dramatic fashion with what still ranks as one of
the club's most memorable moments on October 30, 1998, as his "golden
goal" in overtime gave Chicago a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Crew in
front of a rabid hometown crowd at Soldier Field. The victory gave the
Fire its first of three Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Championships in addition
to capping off a historic "double" for the squad in its first campaign.
1996 - 1997 - Signed with Kansas City Wizards (MLS), where he scored 25 points (7 goals, 11 assists) in 49 games.
1988
- Joined famed Greek First Division powerhouse AEK Athens. Klopas
scored six goals in 49 career matches with AEK Athens and would help
the side to two appearances in the European Cup and a pair of berths in
the UEFA Cup in 1989 and 1991 during his four seasons of play.
1983
- 1987 - Played with the Chicago Sting (NASL), scoring an impressive
110 points (62 goals, 48 assists) during his four seasons with the
squad, which included an appearance in the MISL All-Star Game during
the 1986-87 season.