Three Must-See Chicago Fire FC Matches in 2025
The 2025 MLS season is shaping to be one of the most exciting seasons in league history.
The opening matches are just a few weeks away, given that the league announced an earlier start time this year.
PHOTO: Chicago Fire FC/Website
Many offseason transfers have made MLS the talk around town. Teams around the league have understood that putting together a quality side with star power is the ongoing trend that seems to help performances on the field.
The Chicago Fire have probably made the most off-season moves to their usual starting 11. Gregg Berhalter wasted no time in enhancing the Fire’s quality on the pitch by making a few key signings. Rominigue Kouame, Jack Elliot, Jonathan Bamba, and Leonardo Barroso are a few notable names that have been added to the roster for this season.
That said, the Fire will have a totally new feel this year.
Everything, from the front office staff to the team’s players to even the new training grounds, is brand new to Chicago.
With all the excitement and buzz the team is gathering around the city for 2025, here are a few matches fans should try and check out this season.
1) May 1 // vs. D.C. United (2025 Home Opener)
Chicago Fire’s home opener will be on March 1st, at 7:30 p.m., against DC United. Since it’s the first home game of the season, I highly suggest that fans try their best to attend the match. Aside from trying to create the most hostile environment DC would have to play in, fans should also try to come out in numbers to welcome home a few Fire first-timers this year.
As mentioned, the squad looks almost completely new. After the trip to Columbus the weekend before (for the season opener), what a homecoming it would be for players and staff to see a packed Soldier Field! The Fire must start the season at home on the right foot and need all our support.
Aside from catching the home opener and offering home crowd support, fans should also attend this match to watch Christian Benteke, the 2024 Golden Boot winner, play.
Benteke has proven himself a world-class striker and has played in many huge matches throughout his career. He has worn the colors of many famous clubs like Aston Villa and Liverpool. He has even played a prominent role in what’s known to be Belgium’s “golden era” as their # 9 striker. Here’s to hoping he doesn’t have the best of evenings when visiting the windy city on March 1st.
2) April 13 // vs. Inter Miami CF (Messi & Friends)
On April 13th, “Messi and friends” come into town. Typically, I wouldn’t suggest fans attend this match because, in recent seasons, this match has felt like a money grab. Tickets are usually way more expensive.
In two seasons, Inter Miami has come into town twice – both times, Lionel Messi has missed the matches. It created a huge PR scandal for the Fire, and they’ve now put in place a “match credit” where fans who had bought tickets for last year’s match can redeem tickets to a match this year. Most of the time, people attend this match to watch Messi, Suarez, Alba, and Busquets play. Trust me, I completely understand – but my suggestion here is to show out deep in numbers and give Miami players hell for 90 minutes.
I know the Fire players will get up for a match like this, adding to the spectacle that will ensue. It is definitely (if prices allow) a match that all should try attending.
3) July 12 // vs. San Diego FC (New Expanside Side)
A highly anticipated matchup I am looking forward to is on July 12th (my birthday!) under the lights, on a Saturday night against the new expansion side, San Diego FC. There is nothing better than a warm, middle-of-summer night in Chicago as you watch the beautiful game. During these Summer matches, the Fire typically holds events or have promo gifts for fans.
With this match being a week after the 4th of July (Fire play away on July 5th), the club may even hold their annual Fireworks Night after the match, adding to the wonderful experience this match day outing can serve.
Nachos, ice cream, hot dogs, beers AND fireworks? Sign me up! Aside from these awesome details, fans will also get a chance to watch MLS newcomer Hirving “El Chucky” Lozano play as he plans to lead San Diego FC in their very first season.
Lozano is considered one of Mexico’s best players. His explosive speed, eye for goal, and fancy feet have allowed him to play in some top-flight matches in Europe over the last few years. Most notably, he scored the game-winning goal against Germany in the 2020 World Cup, when Germany ranked # 1 worldwide! A high-profile player like that doesn’t stop by Chicago too often.
With Chicago being home to a large Mexican population, it’s almost with certainty that I can say this match will be PACKED. It was an exciting night for football fans all around Chicago. It’s a match I highly suggest attending.
Honorable Mention
U.S. Open Cup
For a match worthy of attending, this season has to be one of the US Open Cup matches. Earlier this week, it was announced that Chicago will be participating in this year’s tournament – and this time, it’s legit! Fire’s first team has been registered to compete in the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, as opposed to last year when the Fire sent their Chicago Fire 2 squad.
There is no hate toward the young guys on the Fire 2 squad, but this tournament should mean something to the club. The club should be doing its very best and looking to compete in every match and win the entire thing! “Kings of the Cup” is a phrase we need to bring back, as the Fire have had tremendous historical success in this tournament.
The Open Cup, which happens to be the oldest soccer tournament in the United States and the third oldest in the World, crowns the best soccer team in the US. The cool thing about the tournament is that semi-pro and amateur side teams are eligible to compete, having to first play other semi-pro and amateur teams in regional brackets around their states.
You could potentially have a 4th/5th tier team that plays in a men’s Sunday league go up against an MLS side like the Fire or LA Galaxy. It’s the beauty of the cup, and boy, oh boy, have we seen a few CUP sets in recent years.
My point is that I am glad the Fire are competing in the tourney this year, and all of Chicago should be behind the men in red as they look to retake glory in The Cup!
PHOTO: Chicago Fire FC/Website
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