Talk about hot! The Chicago Fire ended its first year in Major League Soccer in a blaze of glory, winning the MLS cup on October 25. The Fire scorched last year's champs, the D.C. United, 2-0. Captain Peter Nowak assisted on both goals and was named Most Valuable Player. "This is a special day for me," said the Polish midfielder.

But soccer has a way to go in the city of the NBA's Bulls. Just a few hundred fans came to a rally honoring the Fire. Says midfielder Jesse Marsch: "It's going to take a while."

Daily News from TIME for Kids

November 6, 1998 World Report