Fire Notch Back-to-Back Dominant Wins Amidst Packed Schedule
The Chicago Fire are stepping up their game.
With two away games against top-tier opposition in the span of 72 hours looming, many wondered how well the Men in Red would handle the fixture load. Gregg Berhalter’s men quickly quelled any doubts about their form, scoring seven goals across the two matches and earning comfortable victories.
On Saturday, the Fire picked up a statement 4-1 win in the league against Charlotte FC. The result moved the side back into a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Just three days later, it was off to Rhode Island for a clash with the New England Revolution in the U.S. Open Cup.
Playing in gloomy conditions on an artificial pitch at Providence College, Chicago cruised to a 3-1 triumph.
That win puts the Fire into the quarterfinals of the cup, as they set their sights on a first piece of silverware since 2006.
Floodgates Open in North Carolina
PHOTO: Lucas Boland/Imagn Images
Throughout the year, Chicago has looked extremely dangerous on the road. That held true in Charlotte, as the offense put in its best shift of the MLS season thus far. Despite a quiet first half, the Fire took a 1-0 lead into the break. Jonathan Bamba, who’s served as a creative engine for the team but has been starved for goals, delivered an exquisite finish from distance.
The Men in Red came out as a transformed side for the second half, with Brian Gutierrez leading the prolific attack. The youngster initially squandered an open-goal opportunity with an extra touch, but bounced back to score a beautiful low-footed goal from just inside the box. Three minutes later, Philip Zinckernagel finished off a comprehensive team move to make it 3-0. That goal was a perfect example of the build-up play Berhalter has been trying to instill in his team throughout the year.
Charlotte pulled one back through Patrick Agyemang, but the Fire quickly restored their three-goal advantage. Gutierrez was precise from the penalty spot to complete a brace and seal a 4-1 win.
It was the Fire’s first four-goal performance in league play since July 3rd of last year.
“We have a strong attack and we are able to score goals,” Berhalter said after the game.
“It’s really about the mindset of the group when we go on the road. We are not timid, we are not scared.”
One Step Closer to Cup Glory
Tuesday’s matchup with a young New England side was similarly dull in the first half. Much like against Charlotte, the Fire looked a little sluggish out of the gates. Despite dominating possession, the Men in Red could not muster any shots on goal. Again, it was Bamba who broke the monotony. With the first 45 minutes winding down, the Ivorian raced into the danger area from the left and forced an own goal with a low cross.
Berhalter worked his halftime magic for the second match running, and Chicago took control of the game in the second half. Gutierrez sprang into action off the bench and reenergized the team, together with Bamba. The two combined to nearly force a second own goal, as the Revolution blasted the ball off their own crossbar. The rebound sat up perfectly for Hugo Cuypers, who made it 2-0 with a neat volleyed finish.
Zinckernagel was substituted in and got in on the goalscoring action to increase the lead. In contrast to the team move that he finished off on Saturday, the Danish winger did it all himself this time, flooring the New England defense with intricate dribbling before smashing the ball into the back of the net.
The Fire fell short of a clean sheet due to a late own goal, but came away with a commanding 3-1 win.
“It’s nice to be able to play midweek,” remarked Berhalter.
“I think the Open Cup is a great tournament, a historic tournament.”
A Season for the History Books?
The Fire last made the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2017. They last won a trophy in 2006, when they lifted the Open Cup for the fourth time. Both of these droughts could yet come to an end in 2025.
It’s still early in the season. Just one-third of the matches have been played. Nonetheless, Berhalter has molded the Men in Red into a contender team. Cuypers and Gutierrez have gone from good last year to great this year. Bamba and Zinckernagel have taken America by storm. Andrew Gutman is fit and consistently delivering stellar performances. Chris Brady is as reliable as ever.
Heading into the weekend, the team aims to extend its four-match winning streak.
Full focus will be on MLS for the next six weeks before the US Open Cup quarterfinals take center stage in early July.
So much is on the line, yet the Men in Red remain level-headed.
As long as they keep their foot on the gas pedal, success is on the horizon.
PHOTO: Lucas Boland/Imagn Images
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