In an exhilarating clash of MLS Week 27, Chicago Fire edged out New England Revolution with a narrow 3-2 win. The team, managed by Gregg Berhalter, showcased remarkable consistency and precision, leaving their opponents empty-handed in a match that lived up to its billing as a battle of titans. Although Caleb Porter’s side managed to find the back of the net through Peyton Miller (77’ 2T) and Carles Gil (48’ 2T, penalty), it was Chicago Fire who emerged victorious with contributions from Jonathan Bamba (1’ 1T), Philip Zinckernagel (9’ 1T), and Hugo Cuypers (67’ 2T), culminating in a well-deserved celebration.
Philip Zinckernagel sparked the excitement for Chicago Fire with a stunning strike in the 9th minute, following a perfectly threaded ball from André Franco. The forward fired a powerful shot from the edge of the semicircle that found the right post, igniting the crowd’s enthusiasm.
Both Maren Haile-Selassie, a midfielder for Chicago Fire, and Peyton Miller from New England Revolution were left disappointed after their attempts struck the woodwork.
André Franco’s performance stood out, earning him the title of the match’s best player. The Chicago Fire midfielder completed two accurate passes and took two shots aimed at the opponent’s goal.
Jonathan Bamba also emerged as a key player, demonstrating his skill by netting one goal and firing three attempts at the opposing goal.
In a moment of flair, Maren Haile-Selassie thrilled the audience with a nutmeg on Alhassan Yusuf in the 87th minute of the second half.
Head coach Gregg Berhalter set up Chicago Fire in a 4-3-3 formation with Christopher Brady as goalkeeper; Jonathan Dean, Jack Elliott, Samuel Rogers, and Andrew Gutman in defense; and André Franco, Brian Gutiérrez, and Dje D Avilla in midfield, featuring Philip Zinckernagel, Hugo Cuypers, and Jonathan Bamba leading the attack.
On the opposing side, Caleb Porter configured his squad in a 4-4-2 formation with Matt Turner in goal; Ilay Feingold, Brayan Ceballos, Tanner Beason, and Peyton Miller in defense; Carles Gil, Jackson Yueill, Alhassan Yusuf, and Luca Langoni in the midfield; and Tomás Chancalay and Ignatius Ganago in the forward line.
Guido Gonzales Jr. officiated the match at SeatGeek Stadium.
Looking ahead, Chicago Fire will face off against Inter Miami away from home, while New England Revolution will host Toronto FC in their next fixture.
Substitutions for Chicago Fire
75’ 2T – André Franco off for Sergio Oregel and Jonathan Bamba off for Maren Haile-Selassie
82’ 2T – Hugo Cuypers off for Tom Barlow
83’ 2T – Brian Gutiérrez off for Kellyn Perry-Acosta
88’ 2T – Samuel Rogers off for Omar González
Cautions for Chicago Fire:
26’ 2T Christopher Brady (Delayed restart) and 48’ 2T Omar González (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for New England Revolution
68’ 2T – Ilay Feingold off for Wyatt Omsberg and Jackson Yueill off for Allan Oyirwoth
78’ 2T – Luca Langoni off for Brandon Bye
85’ 2T – Tanner Beason off for Will Sands
Caution for New England Revolution:
35’ 2T Brayan Ceballos (Unsporting behavior)