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MLS Season Preview: Chicago Fire kick off new era under Paunovic

Veljko Paunovic has taken the reins of a revamped roster as the league-worst Fire eye a return to respectability in 2016.

After a blissful childhood, the Chicago Fire have endured some rough teenage years.

For the first 12 seasons of the club's existence, the Fire only knew winning — to the tune of 11 playoff appearances. An MLS Cup triumph in the club's inaugural campaign set the stage. Add four U.S. Open Cup titles and a Supporters' Shield to the equation, and it's easy to understand why Chicago fans hardly recognize the team that has appeared in just one playoff game since 2009.