Chicago Fire FC advanced to the Round of 16 in the 2025 US Open Cup with a 4-0 win over Detroit City FC at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. The squad scored four times, had three players score for the first time in the competition, and controlled the game from the first whistle. Chris Brady made two important saves to keep the clean sheet intact. Their next opponent is the New England Revolution.
The opening target came early
At once after the initial whistle, Chicago Fire pinned back Detroit's buildup. Off a goal kick from the visitors, Maren Haile-Selassie stole the ball in the box and passed to Hugo Cuypers. The forward had the ball and drilled straight into the top corner for an opening Fire advantage less than five minutes from the start.
The Fire continued to press throughout the first half. With more possession and continuous presence in the attacking third, the team had sixteen shots and did not give up a single one on their own goal throughout the first half. Detroit City struggled to string plays together and was able to get only barely past midfield with any possession of the ball.
In the 35th minute, the Fire scored once again. After a Haile-Selassie corner on the right side, Cuypers deflected it at the near post. The ball struck Detroit forward Darren Smith's leg and into the net. The own goal extended the home team's lead, and they took half-time with the game in their complete control.
Early second-half goal added to the lead
Early in the second half, the Fire continued to attack. Jonathan Bamba tracked down the left and crossed the ball into the box. Rominigue Kouamé feigned a shot and let the ball roll, opening up space for Omari Glasgow to walk in alone. The fullback shot left-footed to the far post, scoring the team's third goal of the match. Glasgow netted his first goal for Chicago Fire's first team.
The target widened the gap still more and gave the side greater freedom to dominate the game. Detroit City was still struggling to create scoring chances and was not seriously threatening the Fire defense.
Haile-Selassie entered again in the 71st minute, scoring this time personally. Kellyn Acosta fed a long pass to Brian Gutiérrez on the left. The Fire midfielder pulled Detroit goalkeeper Carlos Saldana out of position and played it off to Haile-Selassie, who found an empty net. The 4-0 difference capped the home side's win, which had otherwise seemed secure much of the day.
With an assist, a tap on the second goal, and the fourth of the night, Haile-Selassie was key to Chicago's qualification.
Detroit was unable to get into gear
Detroit City only mustered two shots for the duration of the 90 minutes. The team struggled throughout and couldn't stand their ground. They also didn't measure up to last season's performance, when they reached the Round of 16.
The Fire controlled the game all day and did not give a chance for a comeback. The defense was not tested much, but handled the little pressure that was sent its way. Chris Brady made two good saves and picked up another shutout.
The victory over Detroit also marked Gregg Berhalter's first US Open Cup head-coaching win since 2016. As the Columbus Crew coach from 2014 to 2018, he lost three times, and his team was knocked out each time by a Chicago Fire team.