By Daniela Calvo // @DanielaCalvo__
This Saturday, Chicago Fire fans are set to celebrate Nemanja Nikolić as he will receive his Golden Boot for capping 24 goals in the 2017 season. The ceremony will be held before the Chicago Fire face the Portland Timbers.
Nikolić’s journey with the Fire began on December 20, 2016, when he transferred from the Polish club, Legia Warsaw. During his time in Legia, Nikolić led the league in scoring with 28 goals in the 2015-2016 season; he was third in assists, he was named Player of the Year and Forward of the Year, and helped Legia win the league title.
Prior to his time in Legia, Nikolić played for the Hungarian club, Videoton FC, he spent 5 years in Videton and in the span of those 5 years he received many accolades. He either led or tied in overall scoring- with an exception in one season where he tied for third place. Additionally, he helped Videoton win the league title. At the end of his second season there, Nikolić was the runner-up for the league’s Golden Boot.
🔥🔥🔥
Pick up a commemorative @niko_nemanja Golden Boot poster (24″x36″), on sale in the Fan Shop while supplies last, at #CHIvPOR! https://t.co/LTvRtJRiGg
Or hit RT 🔄for a chance to win one 😉 pic.twitter.com/3AbGXWt678
— Chicago Fire (@ChicagoFire) March 29, 2018
In 2008, he made his professional debut in Kaposvari RFC, a Hungarian club where he capped 16 goals for the club. He was tied for second in overall scoring that season.
Nikolić came to the MLS a winner and continued his top-scoring streak with the Fire during the 2017 season. He chose to stay in Chicago and dedicate his time to the Fire instead of joining his national team, Hungary for qualifying matches. Ultimately his dedication paid off because he won the Golden Boot and helped the Fire reach the postseason for the first time since 2012.
With 2 losses in the 2018 season, the Fire is looking for some momentum to win their first game and this pregame celebration is the catalyst the team needs to continue to party with Niko.
Featured image courtesy: Daniela Calvo
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