MLS Cup 2000

{{short description|2000 edition of the MLS Cup}} {{good article}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2021}} {{Use American English|date=December 2021}} {{Infobox football match | title = MLS Cup 2000 | image = MLSCup2000.png | imagesize = 200 | event = MLS Cup | team1 = Kansas City Wizards | team1score = 1 | team2 = Chicago Fire | team2score = 0 | date = October 15, 2000 | stadium = Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium | city = Washington, D.C., U.S. | man_of_the_match1a = Tony Meola (Kansas City Wizards) | referee = Paul Tamberino | weather = Sunny, {{convert|77|°F|°C}}<ref name="FARB">{{cite web |author1=MLS Communications Department |author2=Elias Sports Bureau |date=February 23, 2024 |title=2024 Fact and Record Book |page=156 |url=https://mlssoccer.app.box.com/s/xvks2sfia70gsowb4qyh61c7ytqpbnht |publisher=Major League Soccer |ref={{sfnref|Major League Soccer|2024}} |accessdate=December 12, 2024}}</ref> | attendance = 39,159 |previous = 1999 |next = 2001 }}

'''MLS Cup 2000''' was the fifth edition of the MLS Cup, the championship soccer match of Major League Soccer (MLS), the top-level soccer league of the United States. It took place on October 15, 2000, at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C., and was contested by the Kansas City Wizards and Chicago Fire to decide the champion of the 2000 MLS season.

Both teams finished atop their respective divisions, with the Wizards winning the Supporters' Shield for best overall record. The 2000 final was the first edition to not feature a team from the Eastern Division due to the three-division system used from 2000 to 2001. Kansas City had finished the 1999 season with the second-worst record in MLS, but used key acquisitions to improve under second-year coach Bob Gansler. Chicago were attempting to win their second MLS Cup title in three years.

The Wizards won 1–0 and became the first Western Division team to win the MLS Cup. The lone goal of the match was scored by Miklos Molnar in the first half; goalkeeper Tony Meola was named the match's most valuable player for his ten saves to earn a shutout. The final was played in front of 39,159 spectators and broadcast nationally on ABC.

==Venue== [[File:Rfkstadium.png|thumbnail|left|Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium hosted the MLS Cup final for the second time.]]

Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C., the home of D.C. United, was announced as the host venue of MLS Cup 2000 on February 23, 2000. At the time of the match in October 2000, seating capacity of the stadium was 56,454 spectators.<ref>{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=February 24, 2000 |title=RFK to Host Its Second MLS Title Game |page=D7 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2000/02/24/rfk-to-host-its-second-mls-title-game/c8150890-6349-4257-8937-2fc35e4c2ce0/ |work=The Washington Post |access-date=August 7, 2019}}</ref> The other bidder, Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, had been favored by the league and was unable to resolve a scheduling conflict with a college football team until too late in the selection process.<ref>{{cite news |last=Page |first=Rodney |date=October 7, 1999 |title=Tampa Bay closes in on hosting MLS Cup |page=C10 |work=St. Petersburg Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34664356/tampa_bay_closes_in_on_hosting_mls_cup/ |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=August 7, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ward |first=Bill |date=February 16, 2000 |title=MLS Cup won't be in Tampa |page=C1 |work=The Tampa Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34664556/mls_cup_wont_be_in_tampa/ |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=August 7, 2019}}</ref>

The stadium previously hosted MLS Cup 1997, during which United won their second league championship; it was also part of the 1994 FIFA World Cup and the 1996 Olympics men's soccer tournament.<ref>{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |authorlink=Steven Goff |date=October 20, 2017 |title=American soccer made its home at aging, funky RFK Stadium |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2017/10/19/soccer-at-rfk-stadium-its-dirty-and-disgusting-and-ugly-but-its-ours/ |work=The Washington Post |access-date=August 7, 2019}}</ref> The 2000 final was the first MLS Cup to not feature D.C. United, as the team failed to qualify for the playoffs.<ref name="NYT-Playoffs">{{cite news |date=September 14, 2000 |title=The Road to M.L.S. Cup '00 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/14/sports/the-road-to-mls-cup-acute00.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=December 4, 2019}}</ref><ref name="SDUT-Redemption">{{cite news |last=Ziegler |first=Mark |date=October 15, 2000 |title=Player, coach focused on redemption |page=C7 |work=San Diego Union-Tribune}}</ref> United sold over 38,000 tickets prior to the match, with prices ranging from $25 to $80.<ref>{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=October 15, 2000 |title=MLS Cup: Fire and Ice |page=D1 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2000/10/15/mls-cup-fire-and-ice/f50056d0-b85b-4e2c-bf15-3c495b7716a0/ |work=The Washington Post |accessdate=November 22, 2024}}</ref> A pre-match gala was held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. to present the 2000 season awards for MLS players and coaches.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lewis |first=Michael |date=October 15, 2000 |title=MLS Saturday night Gala awards players, amuses all |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/michael_lewis/news/2000/10/15/lewis_gala/ |work=CNN/Sports Illustrated |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010913223633/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/michael_lewis/news/2000/10/15/lewis_gala/ |archive-date=September 13, 2001 |accessdate=November 22, 2024}}</ref>

==Road to the final==

The MLS Cup is the post-season championship of Major League Soccer, a professional club soccer league based in the United States. The 2000 season was the fifth in the league's history and was contested by twelve teams organized into three divisions (later renamed conferences), each with four teams.<ref name="MLS-About">{{cite web |title=About MLS |url=http://mlsnet.com/about/index.html |publisher=Major League Soccer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001214110100/http://mlsnet.com/about/index.html |archive-date=December 14, 2000 |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> The 32-match regular season, which ran for 26 weeks from March to September, was arranged to have each team play opponents within their division four times and six teams outside of their division twice; the regular season also had a set of four home-and-away matches for two out-of-division teams, determined by standings from the opposite conference in the 1999 season.<ref name="MLS-About"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Merz |first=Craig |date=January 9, 2000 |title=Lots of Saturday home games in 2000 |page=E4 |work=The Columbus Dispatch}}</ref> Prior to the season, MLS eliminated the previously used countdown clock and shootout tiebreakers in favor of international rules. Referees would manage time on a count-up clock with stoppage time and tied matches would be allowed following two periods of five-minute golden goal overtime.<ref name="MLS-About"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Ward |first=Bill |date=March 12, 2000 |title=MLS 2000: Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes |page=13 |work=The Tampa Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72451365/mls-2000-ch-ch-ch-changes/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref>

The MLS Cup Playoffs ran from mid-September to October and was contested by the winners of the three divisions and five wild card teams with the most points regardless of division, who were then seeded based on overall standings.<ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=March 16, 2000 |title=What's new? What isn't? |at=sec. 4, p. 10 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72453052/whats-new-what-isnt/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref><ref name="MLS-2015">{{cite news |last=Rodriguez |first=Alicia |date=October 21, 2015 |title=Audi MLS Cup Playoffs: Tracing the evolution of the postseason format since 1996 |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/10/21/audi-mls-cup-playoffs-tracing-evolution-postseason-format |work=MLSsoccer.com |publisher=Major League Soccer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226071006/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/10/21/audi-mls-cup-playoffs-tracing-evolution-postseason-format |archive-date=December 26, 2015 |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> The playoffs were organized into three rounds, the first two being a home-and-away series organized into a best-of-three format.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Major League Soccer: Rules & Regulations |url=http://www.mlsnet.com/about/regulations/ |publisher=Major League Soccer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021221120825/http://www.mlsnet.com/about/regulations/ |archive-date=December 21, 2002 |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> Teams were awarded three points for a win and one point for a draw, and the first team to earn five points would advance. The MLS Cup final remained a single match at a predetermined venue.<ref name="MLS-2015"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Davis |first=Steve |date=September 20, 2000 |title=MLS format ties critics up in knots |page=B11 |work=Dallas Morning News}}</ref>

MLS Cup 2000 was contested by the Kansas City Wizards of the Western Division and the Chicago Fire of the Central Division. Both teams finished atop their respective divisions with 57 points, but the Wizards clinched the Supporters' Shield on the goal difference tiebreaker by two goals.<ref name="Tribune-Preview">{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=October 15, 2000 |title=MLS title showdown has all the trimmings |at=sec. 3, p. 10 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72768089/mls-title-showdown-has-all-the-trimmings/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> The Fire, who won the MLS Cup in 1998, were the top-scoring team during the 2000 season, while the Wizards conceded the fewest goals.<ref name="MLS-Preview">{{cite news |date=October 9, 2000 |title=Wizards and Fire ready for MLS Cup 2000 |url=http://mlsnet.com/content/00/weekly1009.html |work=MLSnet.com |publisher=Major League Soccer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001211203300/http://mlsnet.com/content/00/weekly1009.html |archive-date=December 11, 2000 |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> Kansas City and Chicago met twice during the regular season, trading wins at home; the Wizards won 4–3 on March 25 and the Fire won 3–2 on June 4.<ref name="CLB-Preview">{{cite news |last=Merz |first=Craig |date=October 15, 2000 |title=Final isn't match made in marketing heaven |page=E4 |work=The Columbus Dispatch}}</ref> MLS Cup 2000 was the first edition of the league's championship to not feature D.C. United, whose stadium was used for the match.<ref name="SDUT-Redemption"/>

===Kansas City Wizards=== {{see also|2000 Kansas City Wizards season}} [[File:TonyMeola 20060410.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|right|Goalkeeper Tony Meola was named the league MVP and set an MLS record with 16 shutouts during the regular season.]]

The Kansas City Wizards (originally the "Wiz") qualified for the playoffs in their first two seasons, finishing atop the Western Conference in 1997, but had never appeared in the MLS Cup final.<ref name="Star-MarPreview">{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=March 1, 2000 |title=Wizards increase intensity |page=D10 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72526582/wizards-increase-intensity/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> The Wizards then finished with a 12–20 record in 1998 and failed to qualify for the playoffs under head coach Ron Newman, who was fired after a 0–7 start the following year.<ref>{{cite news |last=Luder |first=Bob |date=May 5, 1999 |title=A new beginning: Coaching change renews hope for 0–7 Wizards |page=D7 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72526951/a-new-beginning/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> Newman was replaced by Bob Gansler, who finished the 1999 season with a 8–24 record, the second-worst in the league, while rebuilding the team's roster.<ref name="Star-MarPreview"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=May 6, 2000 |title=Gansler's coaching style means wins for Wizards |page=D1 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73593911/ganslers-coaching-style-means-wins-for/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> Several members of the inaugural season's team, including forward Vitalis Takawira and defenders Sean Bowers and Scott Uderitz, were waived by the Wizards at the end of the 1999 season, while Alexi Lalas announced his retirement.<ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=November 25, 1999 |title=Wizards bid farewell to seven players |page=B3 |work=The Kansas City Star}}</ref>

Gansler and new general manager Curt Johnson made several key signing in the offseason, beginning with the acquisition of Danish forward Miklos Molnar from Sevilla F.C. in January 2000.<ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=January 5, 2000 |title=Wizards adding firepower |page=D3 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73593312/wizards-adding-firepower/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> The Wizards traded defender Scott Vermillion to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for defenders Peter Vermes and Matt McKeon, who had previously played for the Wiz.<ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=February 4, 2000 |title=Wizards' Vermillion is traded to Rapids |page=D3 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73593368/wizards-vermillion-is-traded-to-rapids/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> The team signed two players they selected in the 2000 MLS SuperDraft: defender Nick Garcia, the second-overall pick, and Kerry Zavagnin, a third-round pick from the A-League.<ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=February 7, 2000 |title=Wizards' hopes high for top draft choice |page=C7 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73593534/wizards-hopes-high-for-top-draft-choice/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=March 31, 2000 |title=Newcomer knows the game |page=D4 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73593552/newcomer-knows-the-game/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> Kansas City finished their preseason with a 3–2–2 record, including two weeks in Bolivia, and saw the return of goalkeeper Tony Meola from an injury that kept him from playing for most of the 1999 season.<ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=March 22, 2000 |title=A change of attitude: Wizards revamp roster, see better days ahead |pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73593748/a-change-of-attitude-part-2/ D8] |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73593740/a-change-of-attitude-part-1/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=March 13, 2000 |title=Wizards lose final exhibition |page=C3 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73593798/wizards-lose-final-exhibition/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref>

The Wizards opened the 2000 season with a 4–3 defeat of the Chicago Fire and went on an eleven-match unbeaten streak, amassing a 10–0–2 record through the end of May.<ref name="Tribune-KCJune">{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=June 4, 2000 |title=Fire to face surprising Wizards |at=sec. 3, p. 7 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73594417/fire-to-face-surprising-wizards/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> The team's turnaround was credited to an improved defense, conceding only five goals and allowing Meola to earn a league-record shutout streak of 681 minutes, and consistent production from Molnar, who scored nine goals.<ref>{{cite news |last=Timmermann |first=Tom |date=May 6, 2000 |title=Surprising KC still is undefeated |page=OT18 |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73594256/surprising-kc-still-is-undefeated/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Spencer |first=Steve |date=May 28, 2000 |title=Wizards stay unbeaten with win over Mutiny |page=C3 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73594167/wizards-stay-unbeaten-with-win-over/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> The streak was broken by Chicago, who won 3–2 at Soldier Field on June 4, but Kansas City remained atop the league standings with an eight-point lead over the Los Angeles Galaxy in the Western Division.<ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=June 5, 2000 |title=Wizards handed first loss |page=C1 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73594158/wizards-handed-first-loss/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref>

Kansas City went winless in four league matches for most of June, in part due to the absence of Molnar while playing for the Danish national team, but maintained their home shutout streak.<ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=June 26, 2000 |title=Wizards feel confident after ending winless streak |page=C3 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73655001/wizards-feel-confident-after-ending/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=June 22, 2000 |title=Henderson sits out because of hip injury |page=D3 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73655076/henderson-sits-out-because-of-hip-injury/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> The team were also eliminated from the U.S. Open Cup in a penalty shootout by the Chicago Sockers of the USL Premier Development League in the third tier.<ref>{{cite news |last=Timmermann |first=Tom |date=June 17, 2000 |title=Lower-tier teams make most of their shots vs. MLS |page=OT20 |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73655200/lower-tier-teams-make-most-of-their/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> After a 2–0 defeat of the Galaxy and a scoreless draw with the San Jose Earthquakes, the Wizards were shutout in three consecutive losses and ended July with a 3–1 victory against the Columbus Crew.<ref name="Star-AllStar">{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=July 29, 2000 |title=Comeback Wizards: Team's turnaround represented in All-Star lineup |page=D1 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73655783/wizards-all-stars-enjoy-teams-success/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=July 23, 2000 |title=Wizards end slump by battling past Crew |page=C3 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73656787/wizards-end-slump-by-battling-past-crew/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> Kansas City was represented in the 2000 MLS All-Star Game with five players, including West captain Preki, and manager Bob Gansler.<ref name="Star-AllStar"/>

The Wizards' lead in the Western Division standings narrowed to four points by early August as the team lost 5–1 and drew 1–1 with the Galaxy in back-to-back matches.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gutierrez |first=Paul |date=August 13, 2000 |title=Galaxy Fails to Take Advantage |page=D3 |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73657620/galaxy-fails-to-take-advantage/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> Kansas City then lost Meola to a national team call-up and forwards Molnar and Mo Johnston to injuries, but were able to win 3–0 in San Jose with a starting lineup of reserve players.<ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=August 19, 2000 |title=Molnar still missing from starting lineup |page=D6 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73659408/molnar-still-missing-from-starting/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=August 18, 2000 |title=Wizards face a short break |page=D4 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73659450/wizards-face-a-short-break/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> Following a 2–1 loss to the Miami Fusion at home, the Wizards began a five-match stretch to close out the season, including four matches played on the road. The team earned draws against the MetroStars and Colorado Rapids, clinching a playoff spot, while four of its forwards were sidelined with injuries.<ref>{{cite news |last=Leonard |first=Tim |date=August 24, 2000 |title=Short-handed Wizards gain tie with MetroStars |page=D3 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73660171/short-handed-wizards-gain-tie-with/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Schmitcke |first=Joanna |date=August 27, 2000 |title=Wizards clinch playoff spot |page=C3 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73660213/wizards-clinch-playoff-spot/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> Kansas City clinched the Western Division title with a 1–0 road victory against the New England Revolution, which was followed by the Supporters' Shield through a draw against the Tampa Bay Mutiny with several reserve players.<ref>{{cite news |last=Blake |first=Paul |date=September 7, 2000 |title=Wizards clinches West title |page=D7 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73660685/wizards-clinches-west-title/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Spencer |first=Steve |date=September 10, 2000 |title=Wizards claim top seed |page=C3 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73660752/wizards-claim-top-seed/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> Gansler was named Coach of the Year for his team's improved record,<ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=October 12, 2000 |title=Wizards' Gansler wins MLS coaching honors |page=D3 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72527745/wizards-gansler-wins-mls-coaching/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> while Tony Meola earned the MLS MVP Award, Goalkeeper of the Year, and Comeback Player of the Year for his league-record 16 shutouts.<ref>{{cite news |date=October 13, 2000 |title=Tony Meola takes home MVP honors |url=http://www.mlsnet.com/content/00/mls1013meola.html |work=MLSnet.com |publisher=Major League Soccer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010127133900/http://www.mlsnet.com/content/00/mls1013meola.html |archive-date=January 27, 2001 |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> Peter Vermes was also named Defender of the Year for his role in the Wizards' league-best 29 goals conceded.<ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=October 11, 2000 |title=Pair of Wizards honored |page=D1 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73661164/pair-of-wizards-honored/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref>

In the quarterfinals of the MLS Cup Playoffs, Kansas City faced the eighth-seed Colorado Rapids, who had eliminated them in the first round of the 1997 playoffs.<ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=September 17, 2000 |title=KC shakes ghost of MLS playoffs past |page=D19 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73662751/kc-shakes-ghost-of-mls-playoffs-past/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> The Wizards opened their playoff run with a 1–0 victory at home through a Molnar goal in the 18th minute, but were held to a scoreless draw at Mile High Stadium in Denver to force a third match in the series.<ref>{{cite news |last=Whitman |first=Robert |date=September 17, 2000 |title=Wizards blank Rapids in Game 1 |page=C25 |work=Rocky Mountain News}}</ref> The Rapids had the majority of scoring chances in both matches, but were denied by Meola's goalkeeping and a strong defensive performance from the Wizards.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pearce |first=Alan |date=September 21, 2000 |title=Rapids and Wizards struggle to a tie |page=C6 |work=Rocky Mountain News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=September 21, 2000 |title=Wizards tie Rapids, fail to clinch series |page=D1 |work=The Kansas City Star}}</ref> Kansas City advanced to the semifinals with a 3–2 victory at home in the third leg of the series, clinching a 7–1 lead on points. The Wizards took the lead in the 11th minute through a goal from Chris Henderson and followed up with two goals early in the second half from Molnar in the 65th minute and Francisco Gomez in the 69th minute; Paul Bravo scored for the Rapids a minute after Gomez's goal, but the team failed to mount a comeback after Junior Agogo was sent off with a red card.<ref>{{cite news |last=Whitman |first=Robert |date=September 25, 2000 |title=Wizards eliminate late-awakening Rapids 3–2 |page=C5 |work=Rocky Mountain News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=September 25, 2000 |title=Rapid-fire Wizards win |page=C1 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73665069/rapid-fire-wizards-win/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref>

The Wizards played the semifinals against the fifth-seeded Los Angeles Galaxy, who had eliminated them in the 1996 playoffs and had finished as MLS Cup runners-up in 1999.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gutierrez |first=Paul |date=September 29, 2000 |title=Schmid Looks for a Quick Knockout |page=D3 |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73667898/schmid-looks-for-a-quick-knockout/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> The first leg at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City ended in a scoreless draw as six yellow cards were given to players, including three in overtime.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gutierrez |first=Paul |date=September 30, 2000 |title=Drawback of Sorts for Galaxy |page=D1 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-sep-30-sp-29326-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> The Wizards lost the second leg at the Rose Bowl in overtime by a 2–1 scoreline, having earned a 1–1 draw in regulation time. Kansas City fell behind in the 16th minute from a shot by Cobi Jones, but midfielder Matt McKeon equalized in the 29th minute; substitute defender Danny Califf, who had returned from the Summer Olympics team, scored a header in the third minute of golden goal overtime to clinch a Galaxy victory.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gutierrez |first=Paul |date=October 4, 2000 |title=Califf Returns a Hero |page=D1 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-oct-04-sp-31045-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> In the deciding third leg at Arrowhead Stadium, the Wizards went ahead in the 22nd minute through a Molnar penalty kick and won 1–0 in regulation time, tying the series at four points apiece. During the sixth minute of the ensuing sudden-death overtime, Molnar scored the team's first golden goal of the season by collecting an errant ball from Danny Califf, who had also conceded the penalty kick in regulation time.<ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=October 7, 2000 |title=Dyn-o-mite! – 'Danish Dynamite' Molnar scores winning goal for Wizards |page=D1 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73668963/dyn-o-mite-danish-dynamite-molnar/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gutierrez |first=Paul |date=October 7, 2000 |title=It's End of the Road for Galaxy |page=D2 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-oct-07-sp-32932-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref>

===Chicago Fire=== [[File:Stoichkov in 2016.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.7|Bulgarian forward Hristo Stoichkov (''pictured in 2016'') signed a one-year contract to join the Chicago Fire in 2000]]

The Chicago Fire entered the league as an expansion team in 1998 and won the MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup in their inaugural season under the direction of head coach Bob Bradley and a core of veteran players from Eastern Europe.<ref name="Tribune-2017">{{cite news |last=Sánchez Pando |first=José Luis |date=October 25, 2017 |title=Story of a team resurrected: Chicago Fire is back in the playoffs |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/90minutes/ct-hoy-story-of-a-team-resurrected-chicago-fire-is-back-in-the-playoffs-20171025-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> Their second season ended in the first round of the playoffs, where they were eliminated by the Dallas Burn, who mounted a comeback in the third match of the series to win 3–2.<ref name="Tribune-Ready">{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=March 18, 2000 |title=Stoichkov ready for Fire's opener |at=sec. 3, p. 2 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73671755/stoichkov-ready-for-fires-opener/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> The Fire were able to retain most of their starting players over the offseason, but released veterans Roman Kosecki and Jerzy Podbrożny to Polish clubs and lost Frank Klopas to retirement.<ref name="Tribune-Youth">{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=February 7, 2000 |title=Draft-day acquisition of Beasley gives Fire needed infusion of youth |at=sec. 3, p. 4 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73669867/draft-day-acquisition-of-beasley-gives/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=March 16, 2000 |title=Fire, MLS elite are tough up the middle |at=sec. 4, p. 10 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73669994/fire-mls-elite-are-tough-up-the-middle/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> In early February, Chicago acquired midfielder DaMarcus Beasley from Los Angeles and selected defender Carlos Bocanegra with the fourth pick in the MLS SuperDraft to add younger talent to their starting lineup.<ref name="Tribune-Youth"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Ziehm |first=Len |date=February 7, 2000 |title=Fire gambles with draft moves |page=71 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref> Bulgarian forward Hristo Stoichkov was signed to a one-year contract the following month to serve as a veteran star for the team;<ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=March 16, 2000 |title=Bulgarian booster: Stoichkov shoots for another trophy |at=sec. 4, p. 10 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73672527/bulgarian-booster-stoichkov-shoots-for/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> his signing required the trade of Francis Okaroh to Miami for compliance with the league's salary cap.<ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=March 12, 2000 |title=Fire heats up for potential signing of Stoichkov |at=sec. 3, p. 9 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73672216/fire-heats-up-for-potential-signign-of/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref>

After a month-long preseason in Florida and Costa Rica, the Fire began their regular season campaign with four consecutive away matches and played without goalkeeper Zach Thornton due to a calf injury.<ref>{{cite news |last=McDill |first=Kent |date=January 25, 2000 |title=Fire opens spring training |at=sec. 2, p. 7 |work=Daily Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73915901/fire-opens-spring-training/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Galarcep |first=Ives |date=March 29, 2000 |title=Unorthodox Schedule Might Explain MLS' Surprising Results |page=D3 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73669398/unorthodox-schedule-might-explain-mls/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> Chicago were defeated in their first two matches, losing 4–2 to Dallas and 4–3 to Kansas City, while captain Peter Nowak and midfielder Chris Armas were sidelined with their own injuries.<ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=March 26, 2000 |title=Sutton shoulders blame as Fire suffers its 2nd consecutive defeat |at=sec. 3, p. 8 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73918670/sutton-shoulders-blame-as-fire-suffers/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> Backup goalkeeper Greg Sutton was waived by the team after starting in the two losses and replaced by Chris Snitko, acquired in a trade with Kansas City;<ref name="CST-Crew">{{cite news |last=Ziehm |first=Len |date=April 2, 2000 |title=Snitko's first game nets Fire's first win |page=107 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref> Snitko's acquisition forced a further trade of forward Junior Agogo to comply with the league's salary cap ahead of the signing of veteran midfielder Mike Sorber from the New England Revolution.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ziehm |first=Len |date=April 11, 2000 |title=A Rapids-Fire move: Agogo goes to Colorado for draft pick |page=92 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ziehm |first=Len |date=April 16, 2000 |title=Bradley backs up his decision to get Sorber on the field |page=124 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref> The Fire closed out their road tour with a 2–0 victory against the Columbus Crew and a 2–3 loss to D.C. United in overtime.<ref name="CST-Crew"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=April 9, 2000 |title=Nearly Dead, D.C. Kicks Back to Life |page=D1 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2000/04/09/nearly-dead-dc-kicks-back-to-life/f6f340af-1c4e-4204-a9cc-86d73f11d290/ |work=The Washington Post |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref>

Chicago returned home to Soldier Field with a 1–0 victory against the Miami Fusion, due in part to Thornton's return from his injury and the debuts of Bocanegra and Sorber for the team.<ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=April 16, 2000 |title=Stoichkov a winner with Fire |at=sec. 3, p. 14 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73920028/stoichkov-a-winner-with-fire/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> The Fire settled into a stretch of five home fixtures over seven matches, winning four times and improving their record to 6–5–1 to overtake Dallas and Tampa Bay for first place in the Central Division.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ziehm |first=Len |date=April 28, 2000 |title=Fire scheduled for some wins |page=132 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref> Stoichkov was left out of the starting lineup for most of May due to a groin strain and replaced by Ante Razov, who recorded 10 goals in 12 matches to lead MLS in scoring and earned the first hat-trick in club history.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ziehm |first=Len |date=May 25, 2000 |title=Razov caps Fire comeback vs. Burn in stoppage time |page=126 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=May 7, 2000 |title=Razov kicks pain, kicks Fire to win |at=sec. 3, p. 8 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73921022/razov-kicks-pain-kicks-fire-to-win/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> Chicago also lost a trio of key players—Razov, Armas, and defender C. J. Brown—to the U.S. national team for the 2000 U.S. Cup for two weeks in June;<ref>{{cite news |last=Ziehm |first=Len |date=May 30, 2000 |title=U.S. Cup comes at bad time for Fire, other MLS clubs |page=85 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref> as a result, the team dipped into second in the Central Division before regaining their lead with a victories against Kansas City and Miami at home.<ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=June 5, 2000 |title=For Fire, the Wiz turns into a fizz |at=sec. 3, p. 12 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73920574/for-fire-the-wiz-turns-into-a-fizz/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=June 8, 2000 |title=Fire gets 'result,' Wolff 2 goals |at=sec. 4, p. 7 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73920577/fire-gets-result-wolff-2-goals/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref>

The Fire stayed atop the Central Division and were five points behind Kansas City in the overall league standings by late June, but conceded late goals to tie Los Angeles and San Jose during a three-match road trip.<ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=June 23, 2000 |title=Midfielder's dream has nightmarish ending |at=sec. 4, p. 11 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73920980/midfielders-dream-has-nightmarish/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> As the team entered a crowded stretch of league and U.S. Open Cup matches, they lost several players to international call-ups as well as both Stoichkov to a torn groin muscle and defender Luboš Kubík to a sprained knee for a month.<ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=July 22, 2000 |title=Fire set to regain Kubik, Stoitchkov |at=sec. 3, p. 2 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73921179/fire-set-to-regain-kubik-stoitchkov/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> Chicago fell behind Tampa Bay in the Central Division standings entering the All-Star break at the end of July after several draws and overtime matches.<ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=July 23, 2000 |title=Hard work only yields another tie for Fire |at=sec. 3, p. 7 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73921248/hard-work-only-yields-another-tie-for/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=July 21, 2000 |title=Thornton is coming up big in Fire goal |at=sec. 4, p. 11 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73921302/thornton-is-coming-up-big-in-fire-goal/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> The Fire defeated Tampa Bay to draw level with them on points atop the Central Division and the two team stayed tied through two more matches in mid-August.<ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=August 3, 2000 |title=Controversial call leads to Fire victory |at=sec. 4, p. 5 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73921397/controversial-call-leads-to-fire-victory/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=August 7, 2000 |title=Fire gains in standings, but loses another starter |at=sec. 3, p. 10 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73921461/fire-gains-in-standings-but-loses/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref>

With four of six remaining matches against Central Division rivals,<ref name="CST-Burn">{{cite news |last=Mauch |first=Rick |date=August 17, 2000 |title=Korol helps Burn take spark out of Fire |page=127 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref> the Fire began an unbeaten streak to clinch the division title and earn a 17–9–6 overall record for the regular season.<ref name="CHI-Review">{{cite web |title=2000 in Review |url=https://www.chicagofirefc.com/club/history/2000-review |publisher=Chicago Fire FC |accessdate=March 20, 2021 |archive-date=April 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422002945/https://www.chicagofirefc.com/club/history/2000-review |url-status=dead }}</ref> Following a victory against the Los Angeles Galaxy and tie with Tampa Bay, the latter ending with two injured defenders,<ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=August 27, 2000 |title=Fire fights injuries, weather |at=sec. 3, p. 2 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73921580/fire-fights-injuries-weather/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> Chicago won three consecutive home matches to reach second place in the overall league standings.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ziehm |first=Len |date=September 7, 2000 |title=Fire clinches Central title |page=112 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref> The Fire finished the regular season with a 3–2 victory in Columbus and tied Kansas City atop the league standings with 57 points, but lost the Supporters' Shield through a tiebreaker.<ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=September 10, 2000 |title=Fire falls short of top playoff spot |at=sec. 3, p. 13 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73921642/fire-falls-short-of-top-playoff-spot/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> Chicago would enter the playoffs without several injured players as well as Olympic call-ups Josh Wolff and Evan Whitfield, requiring additional lineup changes.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ziehm |first=Len |date=September 24, 2000 |title=Fire's amazing run continues |page=123 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref> Bocanegra won the MLS Rookie of the Year Award, while the midfield trio of Armas, Nowak, and Stoichkov were named to the MLS Best XI for their regular season performances.<ref name="CHI-Review"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=October 12, 2000 |title=Poise earns Bocanegra rookie of year honors |at=sec. 4, p. 7 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73921735/poise-earns-bocanegra-rookie-of-year/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref>

In the playoff quarterfinals, Chicago faced the seventh-seeded New England Revolution, the only team they hadn't defeated during the regular season.<ref name="Fire-Playoff">{{cite news |last=Crandall |first=Jeff |date=October 24, 2012 |title=Playoff History: Run to MLS Cup 2000 |url=https://www.chicagofirefc.com/post/2012/10/24/playoff-history-run-mls-cup-2000 |publisher=Chicago Fire FC |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=September 15, 2000 |title=Revolutionary playoff change |at=sec. 4, p. 10 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73992524/revolutionary-playoff-change/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> The first leg, played on damaged turf at Soldier Field after a National Football League game, remained scoreless at half-time but opened with a goal in the 50th minute by Wolde Harris to give the visiting Revolution a lead.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ziehm |first=Len |date=September 17, 2000 |title=Fire, others say field not up to par |page=126 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref> The Fire responded with an equalizer four minutes later through an own goal by Mauricio Wright and a second goal in the 73rd minute from Dema Kovalenko to win 2–1.<ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=September 16, 2000 |title=Fire stumbles to playoff-opening win |at=sec. 3, p. 2 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73994187/fire-stumbles-to-playoff-opening-win/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> The series was tied at three points apiece after New England won 2–1 in the second leg at Foxboro Stadium, taking the lead through a goal from Eric Wynalda in the 18th minute. A penalty from Stoichkov was saved in first-half stoppage time, but Kovalenko managed to score an equalizer for Chicago in the 83rd minute; the Revolution responded two minutes later with a header from Wright to force a decisive third match.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ziehm |first=Len |date=September 20, 2000 |title=Revolution tops Fire to force deciding game |page=148 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=September 26, 2000 |title=Revolution forces Fire to decisive game |at=sec. 4, p. 4 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73994853/revolution-forces-fire-to-decisive-game/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> The Fire hosted the final quarterfinal leg and set an MLS record for largest margin of victory in the playoffs by winning 6–0, scoring four times during the first half. Stoichkov and Razov each scored twice, the latter earning four assists to set a team record, while Nowak added a first-half stoppage time shot and Sam George finished off the match in the 75th minute with his goal.<ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=September 23, 2000 |title=Blowout propels Fire into MLS semis |at=sec. 3, p. 2 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73995154/blowout-propels-fire-into-mls-semis/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ziehm |first=Len |date=September 23, 2000 |title=Fire crushes Revolution to reach semis |page=107 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref>

The Fire opened their semifinal series against the New York/New Jersey MetroStars with a 3–0 victory at Soldier Field despite missing Nowak to a hamstring injury. Stoichkov and Kovalenko each scored in the first half, while Razov added an insurance goal late in the second half and Thornton made eight saves to keep a shutout.<ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=September 27, 2000 |title=Flat MetroStars no match for Fire |at=sec. 4, p. 2 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73998287/flat-metrostars-no-match-for-fire/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ziehm |first=Len |date=September 27, 2000 |title=Gutierrez pitches in to give relief to Fire |page=153 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref> The MetroStars played the second leg with first-choice goalkeeper Mike Ammann, who had returned from injury, and shutout the Fire 2–0 at Giants Stadium to force a third match in the series. Mark Chung opened the scoring in the 40th minute and Adolfo Valencia added an insurance goal in the 84th minute, while the Fire offense were stifled and unable to create scoring chances until late in the second half.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ziehm |first=Len |date=October 1, 2000 |title=Ammann snuffs out Fire; Keeper's return inspires MetroStars |page=129 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref> Chicago clinched a series victory and their second MLS Cup berth by defeating the MetroStars 3–2 at Soldier Field. Following goals from Brown and Stoichkov in the first half-hour of the match, the MetroStars rallied with a pair of goals from Valencia within four minutes to tie the match at 2–2 heading into half-time. The winning goal came in the 88th minute from Razov, who received a long pass from Armas and dribbled around Ammann to break the second-half deadlock.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rooney |first=Pat |date=October 7, 2000 |title=Fire's spark back in return to Cup |at=sec. 3, p. 2 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73999247/fires-spark-back-in-return-to-cup/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ziehm |first=Len |date=October 7, 2000 |title=Next up: MLS Cup; Fire jars MetroStars on Razov goal in 88th minute |page=104 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref>

===Summary of results=== :''Note: In all results below, the score of the finalist is given first (H: home; A: away). Playoffs were in best-of-three format requiring five points to advance and sudden death extra time as a tiebreaker.'' {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- !colspan=4|Kansas City Wizards !Round !colspan=4|Chicago Fire |- |colspan=4 valign=top align=center|1st place in Western Division

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; margin:0; font-size: 95%" !{{tooltip|Pos.|Position}} !width=195| Club !{{tooltip|Pld.|Games played}} !{{tooltip|W|Wins}} !{{tooltip|L|Losses}} !{{tooltip|D|Draws}} !{{tooltip|Pts.|Points}} |- style="background:#BBF1BD;" |'''1'''||align=left|'''Kansas City Wizards''' (SS) |'''32'''||'''16'''||'''7'''||'''9'''||'''57''' |- style="background:#FFFFCD;" |2||align=left|Los Angeles Galaxy||32||14||10||8||'''50''' |- style="background:#FFFFCD;" |3||align=left|Colorado Rapids||32||13||15||4||'''43''' |- |4||align=left|San Jose Earthquakes||32||7||17||8||'''29''' |} {{small|1=Source: [https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/conference/#season=2000&live=true MLS]}}

{{legend0|#FFFEBB|Qualified for playoffs|border=1px solid black}} {{legend0|#BBF1BD|Supporters' Shield winner|border=1px solid black}} |style="background:#c1e0ff"|Regular season |colspan=4 valign=top|1st place in Central Division

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; margin:0; font-size: 95%" !{{tooltip|Pos.|Position}} !width=195| Club !{{tooltip|Pld.|Games played}} !{{tooltip|W|Wins}} !{{tooltip|L|Losses}} !{{tooltip|D|Draws}} !{{tooltip|Pts.|Points}} |- style="background:#FFFFCD;" |'''1'''||align=left|'''Chicago Fire''' |'''32'''||'''17'''||'''9'''||'''6'''||'''57''' |- style="background:#FFFFCD;" |2||align=left|Tampa Bay Mutiny||32||16||12||4||'''52''' |- style="background:#FFFFCD;" |3||align=left|Dallas Burn||32||14||14||4||'''46''' |- |4||align=left|Columbus Crew||32||11||16||5||'''38''' |}

{{small|1=Source: [https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/conference/#season=2000&live=true MLS]}}

{{legend0|#FFFEBB|Qualified for playoffs|border=1px solid black}} |- style="background:#c1e0ff" |Opponent ({{tooltip|Pts.|Points}}) |1st leg |2nd leg |3rd leg |MLS Cup Playoffs |Opponent ({{tooltip|Pts.|Points}}) |1st leg |2nd leg |3rd leg |- |align=left|Colorado Rapids (7–1) |1–0 (H) |0–0 (A) |3–2 (H) |style="background:#c1e0ff"|Quarterfinals |align=left|New England Revolution (6–3) |2–1 (H) |1–2 (A) |6–0 (H) |- |align=left|Los Angeles Galaxy (4–4) (1–0 SDET) |0–0 (H) |1–2 (ASDET) (A) |1–0 (SDET) (H) |style="background:#c1e0ff"|Semifinals |align=left|MetroStars (6–3) |3–0 (H) |0–2 (A) |3–2 (H) |}

==Broadcasting==

The MLS Cup final was broadcast in the United States on ABC with English commentary and Spanish via secondary audio programming. The English broadcast was led by play-by-play announcer Jack Edwards and color commentator Ty Keough, who were joined by studio hosts Rob Stone and Alexi Lalas.<ref name="PE-ABC">{{cite news |last=Tuchinsky |first=Evan |date=October 13, 2000 |title=Losing baseball easier for Costas to accept this time |page=C3 |work=Press-Enterprise}}</ref><ref name="Star-Broadcast">{{cite news |last=Flanagan |first=Jeffery |date=October 11, 2000 |title=Cash is still king when it comes to making baseball's playoffs |page=D2 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74236552/cash-is-still-king-when-it-comes-to/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 24, 2021}}</ref> The Spanish broadcast comprised play-by-play announcer Roberto Abramowitz and MetroStars coach Octavio Zambrano as color commentator.<ref name="PE-ABC"/> The ABC broadcast drew a 1.0 national rating, matching the 1999 final.<ref>{{cite news |last=Brewington |first=Peter |date=October 17, 2000 |title=MLS Cup rating holds steady; season attendance down |page=C3 |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/mls/mon.htm |work=USA Today |accessdate=March 24, 2021}}</ref> The local broadcast in the Kansas City area had an estimated 5 percent share of televisions, falling behind concurrent broadcasts of the film ''Blank Check'' and a Kansas City Chiefs game that drew 64 percent.<ref>{{cite news |last=Flanagan |first=Jeffery |date=October 17, 2000 |title=Televisions weren't tuned to Wizards' MLS Cup victory |page=C2 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72527861/televisions-werent-tuned-to-wizards/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 24, 2021}}</ref>

The match was also carried via streaming radio on Internetsoccer.com with English commentary from Dave Johnson and Miami Fusion coach Ray Hudson.<ref name="Star-Broadcast"/><ref name="CST-Radio">{{cite news |date=October 15, 2000 |title=MLS Cup 2000 facts |page=151 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref> Local radio stations in the Chicago area also broadcast the match, including WIND-AM in Spanish and WNVR-AM in Polish.<ref name="CST-Radio"/>

==Match==

===Summary===

The match was played on a sunny day at RFK Stadium, which had 39,159 spectators; it was played at the same time as a home Washington Redskins game at nearby FedEx Field.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Boyce |first1=David |last2=Christopher |first2=Hearne Jr. |date=October 16, 2000 |title=Game Report |page=C7 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-game-report/138413988/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 9, 2024}}</ref> The ceremonial pre-game coin toss was conducted by retired Dutch player and coach Johann Cruyff, who formerly played for the Washington Diplomats in the North American Soccer League.<ref name="SI-Summary">{{cite news |date=October 15, 2000 |title=Meola leads Kansas City over Chicago for MLS title |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/mls/2000/mls_cup/news/2000/10/15/mlscup_final/ |work=Sports Illustrated |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020226054233/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/mls/2000/mls_cup/news/2000/10/15/mlscup_final/ |archive-date=February 26, 2002 |accessdate=January 9, 2024}}</ref> Both teams fielded their normal starting lineups despite reports of a slight concussion for Fire midfielder Jesse Marsch.<ref>{{cite news |last=Green |first=Jeff |date=October 15, 2000 |title=CNNSI.com's Green: Official starting lineups set |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/mls/2000/mls_cup/news/2000/10/15/green_onthepitch/ |work=Sports Illustrated |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010504032232/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/mls/2000/mls_cup/news/2000/10/15/green_onthepitch/ |archive-date=May 4, 2001 |accessdate=January 9, 2024}}</ref> Kansas City wore their blue home jerseys, while Chicago played in white.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 5, 2017 |title=MLS Cup jerseys throughout the years: a visual history |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/mls-cup-jerseys-throughout-years-visual-history |work=MLSsoccer.com |accessdate=January 9, 2024}}</ref>

The Wizards kicked off at 3:30 p.m. but were immediately dispossessed of the ball by the Fire, who quickly created a shot that forced Tony Meola to make his first save of the match.<ref name="Video">{{cite AV media |author=New Video |author-link=New Video |year=2008 |title=History of the MLS Cup |type=DVD |language=English |publisher=A&E Home Video |oclc=259960017}}</ref><ref name="Star-Summary">{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=October 16, 2000 |title=Cup City! Meola's wizardry lifts KC to first title |pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-cup-city-meolas-w/138413952/ C1], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-cup-city-meolas-w/138413969/ C7] |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-cup-city-meolas-w/138413952/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 9, 2024}}</ref> The ensuing corner kick was sent in by Hristo Stoichkov and converted into a bicycle kick by defender Tenywa Bonseu that went over the goal. Kansas City responded with two crosses into the penalty area in the following minute that were cleared without incident by the Chicago defense. A misplayed ball from Meola in the sixth minute gave Stoichkov a chance to score from {{convert|30|yards}} on an empty goal, but he instead dribbled towards goal and was tackled by the Wizards defenders.<ref name="Tribune-Summary">{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=October 16, 2000 |title=Fire's heat just not enough |at=sec. 3, p. 1 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-10-16-0010160287-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |accessdate=January 9, 2024}}</ref>

The opening goal was scored in the 11th minute by the Wizards, who used a long run along the right touchline by Chris Klein after he stole the ball from Diego Gutiérrez.<ref name="SI-Summary"/> Klein then sent a low cross into the box that deflected off Marsch to reach Miklos Molnar, whose second attempt at a shot lightly pushed the ball into the goal.<ref name="Star-Summary"/><ref name="Post-Molnar">{{cite news |last=Straus |first=Brian |date=October 16, 2000 |title=Molnar Wins It His Way |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2000/10/16/molnar-wins-it-his-way/26c822b9-6815-4989-b669-1c7cbed15ece/ |work=The Washington Post |accessdate=January 9, 2024}}</ref> Kansas City almost scored a second goal minutes later through a shot by Preki from outside the box that went over the crossbar. The Fire created several of their own chances to equalize through Stoichkov, but his shot in the 19th minute was high and a follow-up in the 25th minute hit the goalpost from {{convert|12|yd}}.<ref name="SI-Summary"/><ref name="MLS-Summary">{{cite news |last=Guido |first=Anthony |date=October 15, 2000 |title=Meola and Molnar shine as Kansas City downs Chicago 1–0 at MLS Cup 2000 |url=http://mlsnet.com/games/00/1015chikc.html |work=MLSnet.com |publisher=Major League Soccer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010208115607/http://mlsnet.com/games/00/1015chikc.html |archive-date=February 8, 2001 |accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref> Klein, who squandered a chance with only goalkeeper Zach Thornton in front of him, sent a cross to Mo Johnston, who missed a tap-in from close range in the 34th minute.<ref name="MLS-Summary"/>

The first half ended with a 1–0 scoreline and six saves for Meola as the Wizards were outshot 16–5 by the Fire.<ref name="Star-Summary"/> Kansas City were immediately tested in the second half by Gutiérrez's cross into the box, which Piotr Nowak shot straight at Meola. The Fire were given room to counterattack while the Wizards focused on their defense; the second half was described as "more physical" and featured five yellow cards.<ref name="MLS-Summary"/><ref name="Post-Summary">{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=October 16, 2000 |title=Wizards' Meola Saves Best for Last |page=D1 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A13474-2000Oct15.html |work=The Washington Post |accessdate=January 9, 2024}}</ref> In the 54th minute, a Stoichkov free kick was deflected by the Kansas City wall and bounced towards goal, where Gutiérrez attempted a shot from close range that hit the crossbar. Stoichkov was involved in the next chance minutes later as he fell in the penalty area while between Meola and Nick Garcia and unsuccessfully lobbied referee Paul Tamberino for a penalty.<ref name="SI-Summary"/>

On a rare Kansas City attack, Molnar received a long ball in the penalty area and made a shot that was deflected over the crossbar by Thoronton.<ref name="Post-Molnar"/> It was followed by more close-range saves by Meola as the team withstood more Chicago attacks, particularly in the final ten minutes of regulation time. A slip pass by Ante Razov to Josh Wolff in the 82nd minute forced Meola to make a diving save; it was followed in the next minutes by Dema Kovalenko's shot at close range and Stoichkov's attempt.<ref name="SI-Summary"/><ref name="Star-Summary"/> Meola maintained a shutout as the Wizards won 1–0 to clinch their first MLS Cup title; he was named MLS Cup MVP for his ten saves during the match, including several in the last minutes.<ref name="Star-Summary"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Brewington |first=Peter |date=October 15, 2000 |title=Meola saves his best for MLS Cup |url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/mls/fs/mlsfs44.htm |work=USA Today |accessdate=January 9, 2024}}</ref> The Wizards were outshot 22–6 by the Fire.<ref name="AP-Summary">{{cite news |last=White |first=Joseph |date=October 16, 2000 |title=Wizards win MLS Cup with magic from Meola |page=D8 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer-wizards-win-ml/160818706/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=December 12, 2024}}</ref>

===Details=== {{football box |date = October 15, 2000 |time = 3:30 p.m. EST |team1 = Kansas City Wizards |score = 1–0 |report = [https://www.mlssoccer.com/history/mls-cup/2000 Report] {{small|([https://web.archive.org/web/20201106135613/https://www.mlssoccer.com/history/mls-cup/2000 Archived])}} |team2 = Chicago Fire |goals1 = *Molnar {{goal|11}} |goals2 = |stadium = Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Washington, D.C. |attendance = 39,159 |referee = Paul Tamberino }}

{| width=92% | |- |{{Football kit | pattern_la = _adidasstripeswhite | pattern_b = _adidaswhite | pattern_ra = _adidasstripeswhite | pattern_sh = _adidaswhite | pattern_so = | leftarm = 0080FF | body = 0080FF | rightarm = 0080FF | shorts = 0080FF | socks = 0080FF | title = }} |{{Football kit | pattern_la = | pattern_b = _horizontalonwhite | pattern_ra = | pattern_sh = | pattern_so = | leftarm = FFFFFF | body = 000050 | rightarm = FFFFFF | shorts = FFFFFF | socks = FFFFFF | title = }} |} {| style="width:100%" |- |style="vertical-align:top; width:40%"| {| style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" |- !width=25| !!width=25| |- |GK ||'''1''' ||{{flagicon|USA}} Tony Meola || || {{yel|76}} |- |RB ||'''3''' ||{{flagicon|USA}} Nick Garcia || || {{yel|58}} |- |CB ||'''6''' ||{{flagicon|USA}} Peter Vermes |- |LB ||'''4''' ||{{flagicon|USA}} Brandon Prideaux |- |RM ||'''17'''||{{flagicon|USA}} Chris Klein (c) || {{suboff|88}} |- |CM ||'''15''' ||{{flagicon|USA}} Kerry Zavagnin |- |CM ||'''2'''||{{flagicon|USA}} Matt McKeon |- |CM ||'''11'''||{{flagicon|USA}} Preki || {{suboff|74}} |- |LM ||'''19'''||{{flagicon|USA}} Chris Henderson |- |FW ||'''10''' ||{{flagicon|SCO}} Mo Johnston || || {{yel|48}} |- |FW ||'''7''' ||{{flagicon|DEN}} Miklos Molnar |- |colspan=3|'''Substitutes:''' |- |DF ||'''20'''||{{flagicon|NGA}} Uche Okafor || {{subon|74}} |- |DF ||'''21''' ||{{flagicon|USA}} Francisco Gomez || {{subon|88}} |- |colspan=3|'''Manager:''' |- |colspan=4|{{flagicon|USA}} Bob Gansler |} |valign="top"| |style="vertical-align:top; width:50%"| {| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-size:90%; margin:auto" |- !width=25| !!width=25| |- |GK ||'''18'''||{{flagicon|USA}} Zach Thornton |- |RB ||'''15'''||{{flagicon|USA}} Jesse Marsch || {{suboff|59}} |- |CB ||'''2'''||{{flagicon|USA}} C.J. Brown |- |CB ||'''12''' ||{{flagicon|USA}} Carlos Bocanegra |- |LB ||'''30''' ||{{flagicon|UGA}} Tenywa Bonseu || || {{yel|76}} |- |RM ||'''21''' ||{{flagicon|UKR}} Dema Kovalenko || || {{yel|47}} |- |CM ||'''11''' ||{{flagicon|USA}} Diego Gutiérrez || {{suboff|70}} |- |CM ||'''10'''||{{flagicon|POL}} Piotr Nowak (c) || {{suboff|83}} |- |LM ||'''14''' ||{{flagicon|USA}} Chris Armas |- |CF ||'''8'''||{{flagicon|BUL}} Hristo Stoichkov |- |CF ||'''9''' ||{{flagicon|USA}} Ante Razov |- |colspan=3|'''Substitutes:''' |- |FW ||'''16''' ||{{flagicon|USA}} Josh Wolff || {{subon|59}} |- |MF ||'''7'''||{{flagicon|USA}} DaMarcus Beasley || {{subon|70}} |- |MF ||'''5''' ||{{flagicon|CZE}} Luboš Kubík || {{subon|83}} |- |colspan=3|'''Manager:''' |- |colspan=3|{{flagicon|USA}} Bob Bradley |} |} {| style="width:100%;font-size:90%" |- | '''Man of the Match:''' Tony Meola (Kansas City Wizards)<ref name="MLS-Report">{{cite web |title=Highlights: KC Wizards vs. Chicago Fire, MLS Cup 2000 |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/history/mls-cup/2000 |work=MLSsoccer.com |publisher=Major League Soccer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124231809/https://www.mlssoccer.com/history/mls-cup/2000 |archive-date=January 24, 2021 |accessdate=March 25, 2021}}</ref>

'''Assistant referees:'''<ref name="MLS-Report"/> Craig Lowry (United States) George Vergara (United States) '''Fourth official:'''<ref name="MLS-Report"/> Kevin Stott (United States)

|style="width:60%; vertical-align:top"| '''Match rules''' *90 minutes. *30 minutes of extra time if necessary. *Penalty shoot-out if scores still level. *Seven named substitutes. *Maximum of three substitutions. |}

==Post-match==

The Wizards became the third team to win the MLS Cup and the first from the Western Division.<ref name="SI-Summary"/> A trio of veteran Kansas City players—Molnar, Mo Johnston, and Alex Bunbury—announced their retirement from professional soccer after the final for unspecified reasons.<ref name="MLS-Summary"/> Johnston, along with Preki and Uche Okafor, was an original member of the inaugural Wizards team who had stayed with the franchise.<ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=October 16, 2000 |title=Victory is special for three |page=C7 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-victory-is-special/138414022/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 9, 2024}}</ref> A public celebration for the team with 2,000 fans was held at Arrowhead Stadium on October 16 after their return from Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=October 17, 2000 |title=It's celebration time: Arrowhead rally honors MLS champion Wizards |page=C1 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-its-celebration-ti/138428691/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 9, 2024}}</ref>

It was the first championship for Lamar Hunt since the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl IV in 1970.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ziehm |first=Len |date=October 16, 2000 |title=Kubik's return doesn't provide spark |page=93 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref> The replica MLS Cup trophy given to Kansas City remained in the possession of Hunt and his family until 2012, when it was returned to Sporting Kansas City (the rebranded Wizards).<ref>{{cite news |last=Palmer |first=Tod |date=February 24, 2012 |title=Sporting KC to be reunited with trophy |url=http://www.kansascity.com/2012/02/24/3450068/sporting-kc-to-be-reunited-with.html |work=The Kansas City Star |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430203605/http://www.kansascity.com/2012/02/24/3450068/sporting-kc-to-be-reunited-with.html |archive-date=April 30, 2012 |accessdate=January 9, 2024}}</ref> The 2000 title was the second for a professional soccer team from Kansas City, after the 1969 North American Soccer League title won by the Kansas City Spurs.<ref>{{cite news |date=October 16, 2000 |title=KC achieves soccer glory |page=A1 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kc-achieves-soccer/160819006/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=December 12, 2024}}</ref> The team hosted and won MLS Cup 2013, their second league championship, in a penalty shootout against Real Salt Lake.<ref>{{cite news |last=McDowell |first=Sam |date=December 7, 2013 |title=Sporting KC captures MLS Cup in thrilling penalty-kick shootout |url=http://www.kansascity.com/2013/12/07/4677256/sporting-kc-captures-franchises.html |work=The Kansas City Star |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214091521/http://www.kansascity.com/2013/12/07/4677256/sporting-kc-captures-franchises.html |archive-date=December 14, 2013 |accessdate=January 9, 2024}}</ref>

The Fire described the match's result as disappointing, with Stotichkov calling it a "team loss—from the goalkeeper to me on top".<ref>{{cite news |last=Lewis |first=Michael |date=October 15, 2000 |title=No goals, no champagne for Chicago |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/mls/2000/mls_cup/news/2000/10/15/mls_lockerroom_ap/ |work=Sports Illustrated |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020224001536/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/mls/2000/mls_cup/news/2000/10/15/mls_lockerroom_ap/ |archive-date=February 24, 2002 |accessdate=January 9, 2024}}</ref> The team returned to Chicago to train for another match the following week—the 2000 U.S. Open Cup final against the Miami Fusion, who had not played for two months.<ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=October 21, 2000 |title=Well-rested Fusion wary of Fire's power |at=sec. 3, p. 8 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-10-21-0010210065-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |accessdate=January 9, 2024}}</ref> The Fire won 2–1 at Soldier Field and earned their second U.S. Open Cup title.<ref>{{cite news |last=Foltman |first=Bob |date=October 22, 2000 |title=As critical off-season beckons, Fire wins Open Cup |at=sec. 3, p. 13 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-as-critical-off-season-b/138428834/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 9, 2024}}</ref> Kansas City and Chicago were among the four MLS teams who qualified for the 2002 CONCACAF Champions' Cup,<ref>{{cite news |date=December 5, 2001 |title=Briefly: Soccer |page=3D |work=Portland Press Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/portland-press-herald-briefly-soccer/159590301/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=November 22, 2024}}</ref> where the Wizards advanced to the semifinals before being eliminated by Monarcas Morelia.<ref>{{cite news |last=Boyce |first=David |date=August 29, 2002 |title=Wizards survive with tie |page=D9 |work=The Kansas City Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-wizards-survive-wit/159590255/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=November 22, 2024}}</ref>

==References== {{reflist}}

{{MLS Cup}}  {{Chicago Fire FC matches}} {{Sporting Kansas City matches}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2000 Mls Cup}} Category:MLS Cup *MLS Cup MLS Cup 2000 MLS Cup 2000 Category:Soccer competitions in Washington, D.C. Category:October 2000 sports events in the United States Category:2000 in sports in Washington, D.C.