Frank Klopas
Fotios "Frank" Clopas (Greek Φώτιος " Φρανκ " Κλόπας, born September 1, 1966 in Prosymna ) is a retired Greek- American soccer player.
The former striker and national team of the United States is without a club as technical director and head coach of the Chicago Fire SC since the end of his commitment. Under the nickname Kid Klopas he was also active as a commentator for Comcast SportsNet Chicago the television.
Playing career
Youth
At the age of eight years Clopas moved to the U.S. with his family from Greece. He attended the Mather High School in Chicago and played for the local school team, with whom he celebrated the championship in his final year in the Chicago Public League. At the age of 18, he received the U.S. citizenship.
Professional
In 1983 he signed a contract with Chicago Sting, who then played in the North American Soccer League. But through injuries, he missed the last season of NASL team. In the coming years, he played for the Sting in the Major Indoor Soccer League. He was appointed to the second All- Star team by the end of the season 1986 /1987.
After the dissolution of the team he joined in 1988 to AEK Athens. In his native country he was an integral part with the Athenians. Due to an injury he drew upon in 1991, he was sidelined for almost two years. In 1992, he signed a contract with the American Football Association United States Soccer Federation to play full time for the national football team of the United States. After the FIFA World Cup 1994, he moved to Apollon Smyrni and remained there until 1996.
With the formation of Major League Soccer and playout of the first season in 1996, Klopas joined the Kansas City Wiz. In the later Wizards, he played the first two seasons of MLS before moving to the then expansion franchise Chicago Fire SC 1998. Up to end of his career, which he announced at the end of the 1999 season, he played two years for Fire and twice won the U.S. Open Cup and once the MLS Cup with the team.
National
Klopas made his debut for the national team of the United States in 1987. Overall, he scored 12 goals in 39 internationals. He was part of the team at the Summer Olympics in 1988 and at the World Cup 1994. During the Copa América 1995, he scored the first goal in the 3-0 win against Argentina. The United States finally finished in fourth place.
Coaching career
On 2 June 2004 Klopas took over as coach at Chicago Storm, who played their first season in the Major Indoor Soccer League. In its second season with the team he reached the semi-finals of the play-offs. On July 24, 2006, his contract was terminated.
In January 2008, he was Technical Director at the Chicago Fire SC. On May 30, 2011, Fire separated from their previous coach Carlos de los Cobos. Klopas took over the post on an interim basis on June 12 and could celebrate his first victory as MLS coach. On October 30, 2013, he resigned from his post.
Private
Clopas is the owner of the youth soccer clubs F. C. Drive in Chicago. He lives with his wife in Chicago.
Achievements and Honours
Chicago Sting
- NASL Championship: 1984
AEK
- Greek Cup: 1989, 1992, 1993, 1994
- Greek Super Cup: 1989
- Greek League Cup: 1990
Chicago Fire SC
- MLS Cup: 1998
- U.S. Open Cup: 1998
- On June 5, 2004 he was included in the Ring of Fire. In this circle are players and who have rendered outstanding services to the Chicago Fire. In addition, he was inducted into the Illinois Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005.