Major League Soccer· Season 2025
Match Summary
New York City FC defeated Chicago Fire 3:1. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2025. Goals were scored by P. Zinckernagel 19′, M. Bakrar 58′, H. Wolf 70′, A. Martinez 89′ (pen.). 7 yellow cards were shown, 2 red cards. New York City FC had 65% possession while Chicago Fire held 35%. New York City FC had 22 shots (8 on target) compared to 8 (3 on target) for Chicago Fire. Expected goals: New York City FC 4.08 — Chicago Fire 0.27. New York City FC made 5 substitutions, Chicago Fire made 5. VAR was involved: Penalty confirmed (Agustin Ojeda 87′).
Match Events
Key match events between New York City FC and Chicago Fire — 4 goals and 9 cards recorded during the match.
Penalty
Match Statistics
New York City FC had 65% possession against Chicago Fire's 35%. New York City FC registered 22 shots (8 on target) while Chicago Fire managed 8 (3 on target). Corner kicks: 11–2. Fouls committed: 12–19.
Lineups
New York City FC lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Pascal Jansen, while Chicago Fire deployed a 4-3-3 under Mike Matkovich.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for New York City FC is 6.92, 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. New York City FC's highest-rated starter is A. O'Neill (7.06), while Chicago Fire's best-rated player is H. Cuypers (7.70).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of New York City FC have contributed 7 goals and 10 assists this season, led by H. Wolf (5G). 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
New York City FC deploy 4 defenders rated 6.98 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
New York City FC field 5 midfielders averaging 6.88, 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
New York City FC start 1 forward(s) averaging —, 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 84% for New York City FC 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
New York City FC's starters have collected 8 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 New York City FC's starting XI is 27.0 (youngest: J. Shore (18), oldest: M. Moralez (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
New York City FC's starters average 13 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: Pascal Jansen
Substitutes
Coach: Mike Matkovich
Rivalry since 2015
New York City FC vs Chicago Fire Head to Head Results· 23
New York City FC and Chicago Fire have met 23 times — New York City FC won 12, Chicago Fire won 3, with 8 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2015. New York City FC leads the head-to-head with 12 victories from 23 meetings. A combined 60 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.61 per match (37 for the home side, 23 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 12 matches (52%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 9 games (39%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. New York City FC are currently unbeaten in the last 8 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 3–4 in 2020.
Recent Meetings
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, New York City FC 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