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Major League SoccerSeason 2025

Chicago Fire vs FC Cincinnati

20 April 2025 at 01:30Soldier Field, Chicago
Referee: Lorenzo Hernandez

Match Summary

FC Cincinnati defeated Chicago Fire 3:2. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2025. Goals were scored by Evander 9′, H. Cuypers 31′, K. Denkey 42′, Evander 71′, B. Gutierrez 85′ (pen.). 4 yellow cards were shown. Chicago Fire had 57% possession while FC Cincinnati held 43%. Chicago Fire had 18 shots (5 on target) compared to 12 (8 on target) for FC Cincinnati. Expected goals: Chicago Fire 2.34 — FC Cincinnati 1.05. Chicago Fire made 4 substitutions, FC Cincinnati made 5.

Match Events

Key match events between Chicago Fire and FC Cincinnati — 5 goals and 4 cards recorded during the match.

Match Statistics

Chicago Fire had 57% possession against FC Cincinnati's 43%. Chicago Fire registered 18 shots (5 on target) while FC Cincinnati managed 12 (8 on target). Corner kicks: 6–1. Fouls committed: 13–11.

Shots on Goal
5
8
Shots Off Goal
5
3
Total Shots
18
12
Blocked Shots
8
1
Shots inside the Box
14
7
Shots outside the Box
4
5
Fouls
13
11
Corner Kicks
6
1
Offsides
0
2
Ball Possession
57%
43%
Yellow Cards
1
3
Red Cards
0
0
Goalkeeper Saves
5
2
Total Passes
519
397
Accurate Passes
445
313
Pass Accuracy
86%
79%
Expected Goals (xG)
2.34
1.05
Goals Prevented (xGP)
0
0

Lineups

Chicago Fire lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under Mike Matkovich, while FC Cincinnati deployed a 3-4-2-1 under Patrick John Noonan.

Squad Ratings

The overall squad rating for Chicago Fire is 7.07, compared to — for FC Cincinnati. 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 FC Cincinnati's best-rated player is —.

Attacking Output

The starting XI of Chicago Fire have contributed 21 goals and 11 assists this season, led by H. Cuypers (13G). FC Cincinnati's starters account for 0 goals and 0 assists, spearheaded by —. 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 6.90 on average, against FC Cincinnati's 3-man backline averaging —. 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 3 midfielders averaging 6.69, versus FC Cincinnati's 4 rated —. 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 3 forward(s) averaging 7.43, compared to 3 for FC Cincinnati averaging —. 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 81% for Chicago Fire and —% for FC Cincinnati. 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 0 for FC Cincinnati. 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 27.0 (youngest: S. Oregel (20), oldest: P. Zinckernagel (31)), while FC Cincinnati average — (youngest: —, oldest: —). 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 10 league appearances each, versus 0 for FC Cincinnati. 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.

Chicago Fire4-3-33-4-2-1FC Cincinnati
GKDEFMIDFWD
1Brady26Glasgow4Teran3Elliott15Gutman35Oregel22Pineda17Gutierr.11Zincker.9Cuypers19Bamba18Celenta.12Robinson21Miazga4Hagglund91Yedlin20Bucha27Anunga29Engel17Santos10Evander9Denkey

Substitutes

Coach: Mike Matkovich

Substitutes

Coach: Patrick John Noonan

Chicago FirePosition StrengthFC Cincinnati
7.07
Avg Rating
7.09Goalkeeper (1 v 1)
0G 0A0G 0A
6.90Defender (4 v 3)
1G 3A0G 0A
6.69Midfielder (3 v 4)
0G 0A0G 0A
7.43Forward (3 v 3)
20G 8A0G 0A
Chicago Fire4-3-3
1GoalkeeperC. Brady7.1
26DefenderO. Glasgow
4DefenderC. Teran
3DefenderJ. Elliott6.91A
15DefenderA. Gutman6.91G2A
35MidfielderS. Oregel6.7
22MidfielderM. Pineda6.7
17MidfielderB. Gutierrez
11ForwardP. Zinckernagel7.55G6A
9ForwardH. Cuypers7.713G
19ForwardJ. Bamba7.12G2A
FC Cincinnati3-4-2-1
18GoalkeeperR. Celentano
12DefenderM. Robinson
21DefenderM. Miazga
4DefenderN. Hagglund
91MidfielderD. Yedlin
20MidfielderP. Bucha
27MidfielderT. Anunga
29MidfielderL. Engel
17ForwardSergio Santos
10ForwardEvander
9ForwardK. Denkey

Rivalry since 2019

Chicago Fire vs FC Cincinnati Head to Head Results· 15

Chicago Fire and FC Cincinnati have met 15 times — Chicago Fire won 4, FC Cincinnati won 7, with 4 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2019. FC Cincinnati leads the head-to-head with 7 victories from 15 meetings. A combined 47 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 3.13 per match (23 for the home side, 24 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 9 matches (60%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 10 games (67%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. FC Cincinnati are currently unbeaten in the last 3 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 3–4 in 2021.

Drawn
4
·
Total goals
47 · 3.1/match
Both scored
9/15 · 60%
Over 2.5
10/15 · 67%

Recent Meetings

Recent Form

WWonDDrawnLLost

In their last 6 matches, Chicago Fire have recorded 3 wins, 0 draws and 3 defeats. FC Cincinnati show 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss from their last 6 outings.

Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

API data: 11 May 2026