Chicago Fire celebrated a thrilling late win against St. Louis City, securing a 3-2 victory in a captivating contest on Week 24 of Major League Soccer. Led by head coach Gregg Berhalter, Chicago responded effectively to turn around a challenging matchup, with key goals coming from Hugo Cuypers (15’ 1H), Philip Zinckernagel (21’ 2H), and Brian Gutiérrez (41’ 2H). St. Louis City initially took the lead thanks to strikes from Tomás Ostrák (1’ 2H) and Marcel Hartel (13’ 2H).
Drama unfolded in stoppage time when Simon Becher had a chance to equalize for St. Louis City, but his shot hit the post, denying them a crucial point.
Brian Gutiérrez was undoubtedly the standout performer of the match, contributing a goal and attempting six shots on target. Philip Zinckernagel also made a significant impact, netting a goal and having two shots at goal.
Coach Gregg Berhalter opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Christopher Brady taking the goalkeeper position; the defensive lineup included Leonardo Barroso, Jack Elliott, Carlos Terán, and Andrew Gutman; while Sergio Oregel, Brian Gutiérrez, and Dje D’Avilla held the midfield; and the attack featured Philip Zinckernagel, Hugo Cuypers, and Jonathan Bamba.
In contrast, David Critchley’s St. Louis City lined up with a 4-5-1 setup, featuring Roman Bürki in goal; a defensive unit comprising Jaziel Orozco, Timo Baumgartl, Henry Kessler, and Devin Padelford; Eduard Löwen, Chris Durkin, Marcel Hartel, Tomás Ostrák, and Jeong Sang-bin in midfield; and João Klauss as the lone striker.
Referee Jair Marrufo was in charge of officiating the match.
Looking ahead, Chicago Fire will visit Philadelphia Union, while St. Louis City will face Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place Stadium.
Substitutions for Chicago Fire
68’ 2H – Sergio Oregel out for Kellyn Perry-Acosta
78’ 2H – Jonathan Bamba out for Maren Haile-Selassie
83’ 2H – Leonardo Barroso out for Jonathan Dean
90’ 2H – Philip Zinckernagel out for Mauricio Pineda
Substitutions for St. Louis City
56’ 2H – Jaziel Orozco out for Conrad Wallem and Henry Kessler for Fallou Fall
84’ 2H – João Klauss out for Simon Becher and Tomás Ostrák for Célio Pompeu
85’ 2H – Chris Durkin out for Alfredo Morales
Cautions for St. Louis City:
35’ 1H Marcel Hartel (Holding foul), 47’ 1H Roman Bürki (Delay of Game), 15’ 2H Tomás Ostrák (Repeated fouls), and 45’ 2H Eduard Löwen (Unsporting behavior)