Football Season Guide

After 8 long years of misery the Fire finally returned to the post-season in 2025. The 1st year under coach Gregg Berhalter [managed Team USA from 2018 to 2024] was a success. Grabbed a Wild Card spot and defeated Orlando City 3-1 at home to get to the main playoff bracket. There faced the Supporters’ Shield winners Philly though and lost both home and away. The positives were plenty. Some chaotic displays and constant injury issues leave plenty of concerns too. Experienced Chris Mueller missed the entire season. Philip Zinckernagel had a great 1st season in the States though, he finished with 11 goals and 15 assists. Main CF Cuypers also shone with his 17 goals. In fact, only the eventually MLS champs Inter Miami led by Lionel Messi scored more than Chicago’s 68 regular season goals. The Fire were the only team to score 7 goals in multiple games in 2025, they did that 3 times. Have the roster flexibility needed to land a big international star (watch out for them making a big move in the summer), so the future looks bright in the Windy City. Sold for a club-record fee their future star Gutierrez. He had issues fitting in Berhalter’s schemes so this is not such a great issue. Especially, if Zinckernagel stays as productive as in 2025. No other major departures this winter, Kouame’s loan ended but due to injuries his availability was an issue anyway. Replaced well with Saletros and Lod both seen as upgrades in the position. Young winger Puso joins the impressive front line. His countryman Mbekezeli Mbokazi is a new face in defence. The Fire will have to work on their stability at the back. They rarely had their preferred 4 starters last year due to injuries. Hope to have better luck with health this term and it seems the manager is happy to roll the dice with the same personnel.