In a hard-fought match at Soldier Field, Chicago Fire emerged victorious against New York Red Bulls with a 1-0 scoreline. The breakthrough came in the 43rd minute when Hugo Cuypers converted a penalty, breaking the deadlock after a tightly contested first half.
Earlier in the match, Ronald Donkor came close to scoring for the Red Bulls but saw his effort strike the woodwork in the 36th minute, leaving the visiting fans in disbelief.
Hugo Cuypers was undoubtedly the standout player of the match, earning recognition for his pivotal role in securing the win. The Chicago Fire striker’s composure in front of goal demonstrated his importance to the team’s attack.
On the defensive end, Jack Elliott was instrumental for the home side, making 10 crucial clearances to keep New York Red Bulls at bay.
Coach Gregg Berhalter fielded a 4-3-3 formation for Chicago Fire, with Christopher Brady in goal; Leonardo Barroso, Carlos Terán, Jack Elliott, and Andrew Gutman forming the backline; Sergio Oregel, Dje D’Avilla, and Brian Gutiérrez in midfield; and Philip Zinckernagel, Hugo Cuypers, and Jonathan Bamba leading the attack.
Meanwhile, New York Red Bulls, managed by Sandro Schwarz, opted for a 4-5-1 strategy with Carlos Coronel as their goalkeeper; Kyle Duncan, Noah Eile, Alexander Hack, and Omar Valencia in defense; Ronald Donkor, Daniel Edelman, Dennis Gjengaar, Emil Forsberg, and Mohammed Sofo in midfield; and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting as the lone striker.
The encounter was officiated by referee Allen Chapman.
Looking ahead, Chicago Fire will host Los Angeles FC in their next fixture, while New York Red Bulls will take on Real Salt Lake at home.
Substitutions for Chicago Fire
61’ 2H – Carlos Terán out for Omar González, Brian Gutiérrez out for Rominigue Kouamé, Philip Zinckernagel out for Maren Haile-Selassie.
72’ 2H – Dje D’Avilla out for Mauricio Pineda.
77’ 2H – Andrew Gutman out for Jonathan Dean.
Substitutions for New York Red Bulls
34’ 1H – Dennis Gjengaar out for Wikelman Carmona.
64’ 2H – Daniel Edelman out for Julian Hall, Omar Valencia out for Dylan Nealis.
80’ 2H – Kyle Duncan out for Rafael Mosquera.
81’ 2H – Mohammed Sofo out for Serge Ngoma.
Yellow Card for New York Red Bulls:
43’ 2H – Emil Forsberg (Unsporting behavior).