Midfielder
Frank Klopas
5' 9"
The biography of retired USMNT soccer player Frankie Klopas who played in the 1994 World Cup.
Caps: 39 | Goals: 12
Nicknamed “The Kid,” Frankie 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.
Klopas spent several seasons as the technical director and coach of the Chicago Fire before taking the same role in Montreal. Leaving Montreal in August, 2015, he returned to the Fire as an assistant for the 2020 season. Klopas was named interim head coach in May, 2023 and continued as head coach for the 2024 MLS season. Klopas moved to vice-president of football at Chicago following the 2024 season.
USMNT Experience
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 Experience
1999
Finished his playing career as a member of the Chicago Fire,
1998
Moved to the 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.
1996-97
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.
