Hugo Cuypers struck twice within a minute and a half, and Philip Zinckernagel had an assist and a goal, and Chicago Fire FC defeated Orlando City 3-1 away from home in one of the club's best performances of the year. The win marked Fire's fifth away victory of 2025, a feat previously not accomplished by the club since 2012.
The target witnessed Cuypers become Fire's first player ever to notch up two match-winner goals in 2025 and club leader for quickest brace after the two goals had been achieved within just 1 minute and 17 seconds apart.
Intense and explosive first half
Orlando City started possession, peppered their box early, but weren’t quite successful in translating that dominance into danger. And when that happens in an MLS match, punishment isn’t often far behind. At 16 minutes, Zinckernagel had the ball inside the box and sent a soft but accurate shot. There was an costly mistake from Gallese who allowed the ball to go through his gloves and into the goal. Zinckernagel’s goal was his sixth of the year and his third in three league matches.
Fire did not shift their strategy after getting a one-goal lead. They tightened up, defended solidly, and did not take any risks. At the 31st minute, Jonathan Dean ran clear down the right and played through to Zinckernagel. He picked up possession, looked up and saw Cuypers free down the left.
Soon after play resumed, though, Orlando took it up and Chicago replied instantly. Zinckernagel brought the ball down centrally and played Cuypers behind defense once more. His shot from low down to the far post presented Gallese no opportunity. 3-0 after just a matter of seconds.
Orlando tried but was stopped by Brady
Orlando narrowed the gap during the first half. A 40th minute crossing into the box prompted young Alex Freeman to jump over the defense and power a header past Chris Brady. The goal put spark into the home team for the final half and caused pressure to really take hold. Orlando built no fewer than three good chances during the first 15 minutes of the second half.
All three times, Brady rescued the Fire with incredible saves. Even with possession and presence inside the Fire's half, the hosts were up against a defense that was solid and a goalkeeper who was playing superbly.