Major League Soccer· Season 2026
Match Summary
Chicago Fire defeated DC United 3:1. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2026. Goals were scored by T. Baribo 41′, R. Lod 62′, H. Cuypers 71′, M. Haile-Selassie 87′. 5 yellow cards were shown. DC United had 41% possession while Chicago Fire held 59%. DC United had 13 shots (6 on target) compared to 15 (8 on target) for Chicago Fire. Expected goals: DC United 0.69 — Chicago Fire 2.29. DC United made 2 substitutions, Chicago Fire made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between DC United and Chicago Fire — 4 goals and 5 cards recorded during the match.
assist: P. Zinckernagel
Match Statistics
DC United had 41% possession against Chicago Fire's 59%. DC United registered 13 shots (6 on target) while Chicago Fire managed 15 (8 on target). Corner kicks: 7–8. Fouls committed: 14–12.
Lineups
DC United lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under Rene Weiler, while Chicago Fire deployed a 4-2-3-1 under Mario Barcena.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for DC United is 6.79, compared to 7.01 for Chicago Fire. 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. DC United's highest-rated starter is M. Peltola (7.11), while Chicago Fire's best-rated player is H. Cuypers (7.70).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of DC United have contributed 20 goals and 8 assists this season, led by T. Baribo (8G). Chicago Fire's starters account for 24 goals and 11 assists, spearheaded by H. Cuypers (13G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
DC United deploy 4 defenders rated 6.73 on average, against Chicago Fire's 4-man backline averaging 6.88. 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
DC United field 4 midfielders averaging 6.82, versus Chicago Fire's 5 rated 6.95. 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
DC United start 2 forward(s) averaging 6.79, compared to 1 for Chicago Fire averaging 7.70. 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 72% for DC United and 80% for Chicago Fire. 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
DC United's starters have collected 21 yellow cards this season, compared to 23 for Chicago Fire. 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 DC United's starting XI is 25.7 (youngest: N. Markovic (21), oldest: S. Johnson (36)), while Chicago Fire average 27.1 (youngest: M. Mbokazi (20), oldest: R. Lod (32)). 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
DC United's starters average 14 league appearances each, versus 12 for Chicago Fire. 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: Rene Weiler
Substitutes
Coach: Mario Barcena
Rivalry since 2012
DC United vs Chicago Fire Head to Head Results· 34
DC United and Chicago Fire have met 34 times — DC United won 13, Chicago Fire won 9, with 12 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2012. DC United leads the head-to-head with 13 victories from 34 meetings. A combined 107 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 3.15 per match (56 for the home side, 51 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 19 matches (56%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 21 games (62%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 1–7 in 2025.
Recent Meetings
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, DC United have recorded 2 wins, 3 draws and 1 defeat. Chicago Fire show 3 wins, 0 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Match Prediction
Statistical tip
Combo Double chance : draw or Chicago Fire and +1.5 goals
Injuries & Suspensions
DC United
- DoubtfulS. Hefti
- DoubtfulS. Nealis
- DoubtfulG. Segal
- DoubtfulS. Hefti
- DoubtfulS. Nealis
- DoubtfulG. Segal
Chicago Fire
- DoubtfulL. Barroso
- DoubtfulA. Franco
- DoubtfulS. Oregel
- DoubtfulA. Saletros
- DoubtfulL. Barroso
- DoubtfulA. Franco
- DoubtfulS. Oregel
- DoubtfulA. Saletros
Bookmaker Odds
Best price
DC United
2.85
Unibet
Draw
3.60
Bet365
Chicago Fire
2.50
Pinnacle
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 17 May 2026