Chicago Fire II Do What The Senior Team Can’t – Make the Playoffs
Although Chicago Fire II, the Fire’s professional B Team, has only existed for a couple of years, it has already found more success than the senior team has since 2017.
It might sound harsh, but it’s unfortunately true. The Fire’s recent elimination from the 2024 season extends their playoff drought from 2017 to 2024.
Meanwhile, the Fire II showed up in a huge do-or-die game against Cavan Sullivan and Philadelphia Union II to win themselves the fourth seed in their side of the league.
The Decision Day Game
PHOTO: Chicago Fire FC
The situation to make the playoffs on decision day was pretty straightforward for the Fire II as they hosted one of the best MLS Next PRO teams in Philadelphia Union II. If you win, you’re in. For some added context, the Fire II went on a six-game losing streak lasting almost a whole month from July to September, which had naturally dropped them in the table several spots, and it was looking like their season was in jeopardy. Fortunately, they recovered from the situation and put themselves in a competitive position just in time for the decision-day game.
It didn’t take long before the Fire got off to a hot start, thanks to 17-year-old Peter Soudan, who bagged a goal off a clean header in the 15th minute to put them in the lead. They continued to dominate possession and limit Philadelphia’s offense enough to head into the locker room with the lead. In the second half, Philadelphia struck first, doing so in the 59th minute to tie things up.
But the Fire II were not ready to end their season here.
Only two minutes later, in the 61st minute, they found the second goal thanks to none other than Omari Glasglow. He found the ball in the box and placed it in the bottom right corner with a clean right-foot blast. Glasgow has had an amazing season, amazing enough to even appear in multiple games for the senior team. He has been a massive contributor all season for Fire II, and it’s fitting that he would go on to be the man to propel Fire II into the playoffs.
What’s Next for Fire II
PHOTO: Chicago Fire FC
The Fire II will face Orlando City B on October 20th in a #4 vs. #5 seed matchup at SeatGeek Stadium. The two sides have an identical record, so it’s expected to be a close match. David Poreba is one to keep an eye on for the Fire II.
He has just won the MLSNP Golden Boot Award with an impressive 18 goals, and he will surely look to ride his momentum heading into the playoffs.
Now is a great time to tune into Fire II, watch some Chicago playoff soccer, and even scout out the next gem for the senior team.
PHOTO: Chicago Fire FC
Discover more from Chicago Sports Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.