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 13′, N. Mercau 40′, A. Martinez 57′, S. Garfield Reid 90′. 1 yellow card was shown. Chicago Fire had 51% possession while New York City FC held 49%. Chicago Fire had 13 shots (3 on target) compared to 11 (5 on target) for New York City FC. Expected goals: Chicago Fire 1.20 — New York City FC 1.58. Chicago Fire made 3 substitutions, New York City FC made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between Chicago Fire and New York City FC — 4 goals and 1 card recorded during the match.
assist: B. Gutierrez
assist: A. Ojeda
Match Statistics
Chicago Fire had 51% possession against New York City FC's 49%. Chicago Fire registered 13 shots (3 on target) while New York City FC managed 11 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 2–4. Fouls committed: 7–16.
Lineups
Chicago Fire lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under Mike Matkovich, while New York City FC deployed a 4-2-3-1 under Pascal Jansen.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Chicago Fire is 7.03, compared to 7.00 for New York City FC. 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 New York City FC's best-rated player is N. Mercau (7.90).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Chicago Fire have contributed 21 goals and 11 assists this season, led by H. Cuypers (13G). New York City FC's starters account for 17 goals and 13 assists, spearheaded by N. Mercau (10G). 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 6.79 on average, against New York City FC's 4-man backline averaging 6.81. 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 6.76, versus New York City FC's 5 rated 7.21. 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 1 for New York City FC 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 80% for Chicago Fire and 85% for New York City FC. 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 22 yellow cards this season, compared to 15 for New York City FC. 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 27.4 (youngest: C. Brady (21), oldest: P. Zinckernagel (31)), while New York City FC average 27.7 (youngest: T. Gray (23), oldest: M. Moralez (38)). 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 12 league appearances each, versus 13 for New York City FC. 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: Pascal Jansen
Rivalry since 2015
Chicago Fire vs New York City FC Head to Head Results· 23
Chicago Fire and New York City FC have met 23 times — Chicago Fire won 3, New York City FC won 12, 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 (23 for the home side, 37 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, Chicago Fire have recorded 3 wins, 0 draws and 3 defeats. New York City FC 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