Chicago Fire defender Lubos Kubik, the 1998 BIC MLS Defender of the Year, has signed a multi-year contract with Major League Soccer that should keep him with the Fire into the next century. “This is great news,” said Fire GM Peter Wilt. “Lubos was an important part of our championship season last year and one of the issues we were more concerned about heading into the 1999 season. It is important to keep our core players together to defend our title in 1999.” Kubik had a stellar first season in MLS last year. The Czech international scored seven goals and eight assists for 23 points, the most ever by a MLS defender in one season. He also added two Open Cup goals and two goals during the playoffs. “Lubos is obviously a huge part of our team and we are very pleased to see him returning,” Fire coach Bob Bradley said. “He is a leader on and off the field and I am relieved he is back.” Kubik played every minute of every MLS game, missing just one contest due to fatigue on Sept. 13 vs. Colorado. Kubik was named an MLS FujiFilm Player of the Week and was also named to the Soccer America Team of the Year for being named to the Team of the Week eight times. Kubik was the main man in the back on set pieces and penalties, he converted six of the seven attempts the Fire took last season. The World Cup veteran suffered a fractured left fibula during the Open Cup final but is expected to make a full recovery. “I am very happy to return,” said Kubik. “Of all the time I have been playing, last year was my first championship and it was a lot of fun. I hope we can do it again this year.”