This Saturday, Chicago Fire triumphed over host Charlotte FC in a thrilling encounter during Week 18 of the MLS. The dynamic clash concluded with the celebration of the team led by Gregg Berhalter. Philip Zinckernagel (22’ 1H), Brian Gutiérrez (25’ 1H), and Hugo Cuypers (32’ 1H) netted three goals, sealing the victory for Chicago Fire. On the other end, Dean Smith’s squad managed to score with Pep Biel (55’ 2H) and Idan Toklomati (58’ 2H), but left the pitch empty-handed.
Hugo Cuypers electrified the stadium with his goal in the 32nd minute of the first half, showcasing his skills with an impressive individual play down the left flank. A powerful shot from the edge of the box found its way into the bottom corner, beating goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.
Philip Zinckernagel stood out as the most valuable player of the match, contributing 1 goal and taking 3 shots at the target.
Another key player for Chicago Fire was Brian Gutiérrez, who also scored once and made 3 attempts on goal.
Head coach Gregg Berhalter employed a 4-5-1 formation with Jeffrey Gal in goal; Jonathan Dean, Samuel Rogers, Jack Elliott, and Andrew Gutman in defense; Sergio Oregel, Mauricio Pineda, Philip Zinckernagel, Brian Gutiérrez, and Jonathan Bamba in midfield; and Hugo Cuypers leading the attack.
Meanwhile, Dean Smith’s team also lined up in a 4-5-1 formation. Kristijan Kahlina started in goal, supported by Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, Adilson Malanda, Andrew Privett, and Souleyman Doumbia in the backline. The midfield included Ashley Westwood, Brandt Bronico, Liel Abada, Pep Biel, and Wilfried Zaha, with Idan Toklomati up front.
The match, held at Soldier Field, was officiated by Sergii Boiko.
Looking ahead, Chicago Fire will face FC Cincinnati in their next match, while Charlotte FC will host Orlando City SC.
Substitutions for Chicago Fire
88’ 2H – Sergio Oregel off for Kellyn Perry-Acosta, Samuel Rogers off for Omar González, Idan Toklomati off for Tyger Smalls
92’ 2H – Hugo Cuypers off for Tom Barlow
Yellow Cards for Chicago Fire:
4’ 2H Maren Haile-Selassie (Unsporting behavior), 31’ 2H Jonathan Dean (Unsporting behavior), 34’ 2H Andrew Gutman (Unsporting behavior), 36’ 2H Samuel Rogers (Unsporting behavior), and 42’ 2H Sergio Oregel (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Charlotte FC
17’ 1H – Souleyman Doumbia off for Nicholas Scardina
45’ 2H – Liel Abada off for Djibril Diani, Mauricio Pineda off for Dje D Avilla, and Jonathan Bamba off for Maren Haile-Selassie
86’ 2H – Brandt Bronico off for Kerwin Vargas
Yellow Cards for Charlotte FC:
14’ 2H Wilfried Zaha (Unsporting behavior) and 33’ 2H Pep Biel (Unsporting behavior)