A New Era Begins for the Chicago Fire
The start of a new MLS season typically evokes mixed emotions in Chicago Fire fans.
Over the last few years, the feeling has been a 50-50 split between dread and (false) hope.
The Fire are now seven seasons removed from their last qualification for the playoffs. In a league that’s boasted 12-18 postseason berths each year, that’s quite the feat.
This year, though, is different.
Time will tell whether this is true, but as of right now, this offseason looks like the most productive one the Fire have had in ages. The departure of unpopular sporting director Georg Heitz got the ball rolling. The appointment of former USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter sent a statement to the rest of the league. Finally, the club’s work in the transfer market created a new squad that looks like Chicago’s most cohesive and balanced team since the Joe Mansueto takeover.
Preseason is over, and it ended triumphantly. Now, the real test begins. The Fire face the Columbus Crew on the road tomorrow evening in a match that could represent a new dawn.
If the club plays its cards right, 2025 may be a year to remember.
A New Approach to Squad-Building
PHOTO: Joseph Maiorana/Imagn Images
It’s hard not to scapegoat certain individuals for a team’s poor results as a sports fan. Members of the Fire faithful pinned the blame for last year on various different people. Some called for Mansueto to sell the team. Others argued that Heitz must go. Many believed the club should call time on Frank Klopas’ managerial run.
Most strikingly, though, an increasing amount of fans turned on star player Xherdan Shaqiri in 2024, citing his lack of commitment to the team. Much to their delight, Shaqiri left the club for FC Basel in his native Switzerland. The focus then turned to constructing a new team for 2025. Of course, Shaqiri alone cannot be blamed for the Men in Red’s failure. No one player is ever wholly responsible. Nonetheless, Shaqiri’s departure and the team’s subsequent transfer business indicate a long-overdue change in philosophy.
Having been appointed director of football in addition to his managerial role, Berhalter focused on building a winning team rather than a star-studded one. Based on how preseason went, that effort’s been a smashing success. There’s still star power in the form of new arrival Jonathan Bamba and lead striker Hugo Cuypers, but the emphasis is on the team’s compatibility. Lesser-known players such as Philip Zinckernagel and Leonardo Barroso have proven to be great additions. All the while, certain returning players (Sergio Oregel, Brian Gutierrez, etc.) have been rewarded with increased roles, either in terms of playing time or in terms of tactical approach.
It’s All Coming Together for the Fire
There’s good reason to believe 2025 will be the year the Fire ownership’s long-term vision for the club finally comes to life. Klopas has moved to a board position that he seems well-suited for. An experienced and successful manager has taken over in the shape of Berhalter. New players appear motivated and committed to the project. Academy products such as Gutierrez and goalkeeper Chris Brady are entering their primes at exactly the right time. Cuypers can finally expect reliable service from their fellow attackers.
More importantly, the Men in Red have already proven what they can do on the pitch. Having conceded 62 goals last season, the Fire only allowed three goals (one from open play) in their 2025 preseason slate. After some early finishing troubles, the attack exploded in a 5-1 win against the San Jose Earthquakes, the Fire’s penultimate match at the Coachella Valley Invitational. Bamba recorded two goals and an assist, Zinckernagel notched one of each, and Gutierrez also earned a brace. None of these players touched the pitch in the second half. Adding Cuypers to that trio is a scary thought for the rest of the league.
Three days later, the Fire looked rock-solid again and took down the reigning MLS Cup champions, the Los Angeles Galaxy, 1-0. Gutierrez, playing in his preferred no. 10 role, scored a delightful curler in the first half to make it back-to-back wins. Preseason is not a definitive predictor of the year to come, but fans are rightfully buzzing.
Time for the Real Deal
The time for speculation is over. From now on, the Fire will be judged by their on-field product. Tomorrow, the action gets underway in Columbus. It’s a tricky opener for Chicago but an excellent litmus test.
Facing a team that’s among the best in the league from the onset will provide plenty of insight regarding the Fire’s quality.
Whatever the outcome, the Chicago Fire Football Club is entering a new (and hopefully prosperous) era.
PHOTO: Joseph Maiorana/Imagn Images
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