Major League Soccer· Season 2025
Match Summary
Chicago Fire defeated Charlotte 4:1. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2025. Goals were scored by J. Bamba 42′, B. Gutierrez 60′, P. Zinckernagel 64′, P. Agyemang 70′, B. Gutierrez 79′ (pen.). 4 yellow cards were shown. Charlotte had 53% possession while Chicago Fire held 47%. Charlotte had 12 shots (4 on target) compared to 23 (10 on target) for Chicago Fire. Expected goals: Charlotte 0.88 — Chicago Fire 3.99. Charlotte made 3 substitutions, Chicago Fire made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Charlotte and Chicago Fire — 5 goals and 4 cards recorded during the match.
assist: B. Gutierrez
assist: E. Williamson
Penalty
Match Statistics
Charlotte had 53% possession against Chicago Fire's 47%. Charlotte registered 12 shots (4 on target) while Chicago Fire managed 23 (10 on target). Corner kicks: 8–6. Fouls committed: 12–12.
Lineups
Charlotte lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under Dean Smith, while Chicago Fire deployed a 4-3-3 under Mike Matkovich.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Charlotte is 7.01, compared to 6.95 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. Charlotte's highest-rated starter is A. Westwood (7.61), while Chicago Fire's best-rated player is H. Cuypers (7.70).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Charlotte have contributed 11 goals and 10 assists this season, led by P. Biel (7G). Chicago Fire's starters account for 21 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
Charlotte deploy 4 defenders rated 6.80 on average, against Chicago Fire's 4-man backline averaging 6.68. 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
Charlotte field 4 midfielders averaging 7.03, versus Chicago Fire's 3 rated 6.69. 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
Charlotte start 2 forward(s) averaging 7.05, compared to 3 for Chicago Fire averaging 7.43. 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 87% for Charlotte and 82% 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
Charlotte's starters have collected 23 yellow cards this season, compared to 15 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 Charlotte's starting XI is 30.5 (youngest: L. Abada (24), oldest: T. Ream (38)), while Chicago Fire average 27.0 (youngest: S. Oregel (20), oldest: P. Zinckernagel (31)). 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
Charlotte's starters average 12 league appearances each, versus 9 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: Dean Smith
Substitutes
Coach: Mike Matkovich
Rivalry since 2022
Charlotte vs Chicago Fire Head to Head Results· 7
Charlotte and Chicago Fire have met 7 times — Charlotte won 5, Chicago Fire won 2, 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 (16 for the home side, 12 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, Charlotte have recorded 2 wins, 1 draw and 3 defeats. Chicago Fire show 3 wins, 0 draws 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