2008 Chicago Fire season
The 2008 Chicago Fire season marked the club's 10th anniversary and their 11th consecutive season in Major League Soccer, solidifying their position in the top tier of American soccer. The season began with an impressive 3-1 away victory over Real Salt Lake on March 29, 2008. Under the leadership of Denis Hamlett, who was promoted to head coach for the first time, the Fire delivered a strong campaign, finishing 2nd in the Eastern Conference and 3rd overall in the league standings. The season concluded with a narrow 2-1 defeat to the Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference Final on November 13, 2008, ending their hopes of a fourth MLS Cup Final appearance.
Roster
Squad
- Players in bold have had senior international caps for their respective national squads.
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Transfers
In
- Patrick Nyarko Drafted 7th overall in 2008 MLS Superdraft
- Dominic Cervi Drafted 12th overall in 2008 MLS Superdraft
- Peter Lowry Drafted 26th overall in 2008 MLS Superdraft
- Dwight Barnett Drafted 38th overall in 2008 MLS Superdraft
- Stephen King Drafted 40th overall in 2008 MLS Superdraft
- Austin Washington Drafted 54th overall in 2008 MLS Superdraft
- Andy Herron Rights acquired from Columbus Crew for 4th round pick in the 2010 Superdraft
- Tomasz Frankowski Signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Brandon Prideaux Acquired in waiver draft from Colorado Rapids
- Líder Mármol Signed as free agent.
- Brian McBride Free agent
- Saad Karim Hadji ''Free agent''
Out
- Matt Pickens To Queens Park Rangers
- Iván Guerrero Lost to San Jose Earthquakes in the Expansion Draft
- Jim Curtin Traded to Chivas USA
- Chris Armas Retired
- Paulo Wanchope Retired
- Jeff Curtin Waived, later signed with D.C. United
- Osei Telesford Waived, later signed with Puerto Rico Islanders
- Chad Barrett Traded to Toronto FC in Brian McBride deal
- Brian Plotkin ''Waived, later signed with Columbus Crew''