Major League Soccer· Season 2025
Match Summary
Chicago Fire defeated Charlotte 3:2. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2025. Goals were scored by P. Zinckernagel 23′, B. Gutierrez 25′, H. Cuypers 33′, P. Biel 56′, I. Toklomati 59′. 7 yellow cards were shown. Chicago Fire had 56% possession while Charlotte held 44%. Chicago Fire had 12 shots (5 on target) compared to 8 (2 on target) for Charlotte. Expected goals: Chicago Fire 1.43 — Charlotte 1.08. Chicago Fire made 5 substitutions, Charlotte made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between Chicago Fire and Charlotte — 5 goals and 7 cards recorded during the match.
assist: P. Zinckernagel
Match Statistics
Chicago Fire had 56% possession against Charlotte's 44%. Chicago Fire registered 12 shots (5 on target) while Charlotte managed 8 (2 on target). Corner kicks: 3–1. Fouls committed: 13–10.
Lineups
Chicago Fire lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Mike Matkovich, while Charlotte deployed a 4-2-3-1 under Dean Smith.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Chicago Fire is 6.93, compared to 6.99 for Charlotte. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Chicago Fire's highest-rated starter is H. Cuypers (7.70), while Charlotte's best-rated player is A. Westwood (7.61).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Chicago Fire have contributed 21 goals and 11 assists this season, led by H. Cuypers (13G). Charlotte's starters account for 16 goals and 9 assists, spearheaded by P. Biel (7G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Chicago Fire deploy 4 defenders rated 6.68 on average, against Charlotte's 4-man backline averaging 6.59. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Chicago Fire field 5 midfielders averaging 6.99, versus Charlotte's 5 rated 7.04. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Chicago Fire start 1 forward(s) averaging 7.70, compared to 1 for Charlotte averaging 6.83. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 83% for Chicago Fire and 85% for Charlotte. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Chicago Fire's starters have collected 14 yellow cards this season, compared to 22 for Charlotte. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Chicago Fire's starting XI is 28.1 (youngest: S. Oregel (20), oldest: J. Gal (32)), while Charlotte average 28.8 (youngest: I. Toklomati (21), oldest: A. Westwood (35)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Chicago Fire's starters average 8 league appearances each, versus 13 for Charlotte. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: Mike Matkovich
Substitutes
Coach: Dean Smith
Rivalry since 2022
Chicago Fire vs Charlotte Head to Head Results· 7
Chicago Fire and Charlotte have met 7 times — Chicago Fire won 2, Charlotte won 5, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2022. Charlotte leads the head-to-head with 5 victories from 7 meetings. A combined 28 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 4.00 per match (13 for the home side, 15 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 5 matches (71%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 5 games (71%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 4–3 in 2024.
Recent Meetings
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Chicago Fire have recorded 3 wins, 0 draws and 3 defeats. Charlotte show 2 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 11 May 2026