FC Cincinnati kicks off a three-game home stretch at TQL Stadium this Saturday. The first challenge is against Chicago Fire, in a direct clash between one team fighting for the top of the conference and another trying to hold onto a playoff spot.
The momentum of both teams and the current standings only add weight to the match. Cincinnati is flying high, coming off road wins and confident performances. Fire is trying to establish itself as a real playoff contender after a 2024 season to forget. On the field, the difference in the standings is clear, but the level of competition between the clubs shows the result is far from predictable.
FC Cincinnati comes in strong and confident
This is one of Cincinnati’s best stretches of the season. The team won its last two away matches and now returns to TQL riding high. With three straight wins, they're just one point behind Philadelphia Union, the leader of the Eastern Conference.
One important factor is consistency. In 2025, Cincinnati has already won ten matches by just one goal. It's a team that knows how to protect a lead and handle pressure. The campaign is solid, and their road results have kept them in the fight for the top. Now, back at home, the expectation is to keep that pace.
Evander and Kévin Denkey are the biggest names in the attack. Each has scored 11 goals so far. On top of that, Evander was selected for the MLS All-Star Game and is currently in his best form since joining the club. He’s scored four goals over the last two matches and was named MLS Player of the Day after bagging a brace against Orlando. If he scores two or more again against Fire, he’ll become the first player in club history to score multiple goals in three consecutive matches.
Chicago Fire aims to keep momentum and earn points on the road
On the other side, Chicago Fire is still chasing balance. The team beat Charlotte FC 3–2 last weekend and moved up to eighth place in the East, climbing back into playoff position. It was a key win after two straight losses that had put their top-half status in jeopardy.
The attack has delivered in several games. Hugo Cuypers and Phillip Zinkernagel have combined for 19 goals and have barely missed a match this season. Brian Gutiérrez also contributes to the offensive strength, with seven goals so far.
In 11 of their 19 matches, Fire has scored at least four goals, showing the attacking potential when everything clicks.