MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Weekly Update: Chicago Derby Week, Red Bulls Preview, 100th Intercontinental Show Episode

Published on April 24, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


Chicago Fire FC celebrate after a goal against the New York Red Bulls
Chicago Fire FC celebrate after a goal against the New York Red Bulls
(Chicago Fire FC)

CHICAGO FIRE FC BEGIN U.S. OPEN CUP RUN THIS WEDNESDAY AGAINST CHICAGO HOUSE AC

Chicago Fire FC will host two matches this week in the Windy City. In the first, Chicago Fire FC will host Midwest Premier League side Chicago House AC in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at 7 p.m. CT on Wednesday, April 26 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. Wednesday marks just the third time the Fire will face off against another Chicago side in franchise history. Undefeated in the first two, the Fire look to continue their Windy City dominance as they look to claim their fifth U.S. Open Cup title, which would be the most in competition history.

In the Club's very first U.S. Open Cup appearance, their first match in Cup history was the first edition of the "Chicago Derby" when the Fire defeated the Chicago Stingers 3-1 on July 6, 1998 at Forest View Park in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Led by current assistant coach, Frank Klopas, the Fire defeated the Stingers en route to completing the Double and capturing the franchise's first of four U.S. Open Cup titles.

Just two years later, the second Chicago Derby occurred when the Fire hosted the Chicago Sockers in the third round of the 2000 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on July 25, 2000 at Forest View Park in Arlington Heights, Illinois. The Fire would come out victorious once again after a first half tally from former Fire striker Josh Wolff lifted Chicago over the Sockers 1-0 to advance to the 2000 U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals. Once again, the Fire would win the Chicago Derby on the way to winning a U.S. Open Cup title.

This week, the Fire will take on Chicago House AC in the highly anticipated third installment of the Chicago Derby. House, established in 2020, began play in 2021. Formerly part of the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), the team shifted to the MWPL in 2022. Chicago Fire FC assistant coach and Ring of Fire member C.J. Brown was the first head coach and technical director in Chicago House history, guiding the team in 2021 before joining Fire head coach Ezra Hendrickson's coaching staff ahead of the 2022 MLS season.

Prior to the matches against Chicago House and New York Red Bulls, the Fire will train at SeatGeek Stadium and the first 15 minutes of each session will be open to the media, with interviews with coaches and players occurring directly afterward. Media members interested in attending must RSVP and share any interview requests with Elizabeth Sánchez at esanchez@chicagofirefc.com at least 24 hours in advance of the training session they plan to attend. (Full schedule below).

FIRE HOST RED BULLS AT SOLDIER FIELD ON SATURDAY

Chicago Fire FC (2-1-5, 10 points) will return to the lakefront and host New York Red Bulls (1-3-5, 8 points) at 7:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, April 29. Sunday's match will be the 66th all-time meeting between the two clubs dating back to their very first match in 1998 when the Red Bulls were formally known as the New York/New Jersey MetroStars. Additionally, this will be the first of two matchups this season against the Red Bulls.

Last season, the Fire went 0-1-1 against the Red Bulls, including a 3-3 draw on May 18, 2022 that saw Designated Player Xherdan Shaqiri wear the captain's band on the road and record his first goal in a Chicago Fire uniform in just his second match since joining the Club on Feb. 9, 2022.

So far this season, the Red Bulls have fallen in the table after a 2-0 loss to CF Montreal on the road. After an own goal from Colombian Andrés Reyes in the 25th minute of play, it was Montreal Homegrown Mathieu Choinière who delivered the final blow, and his first of the season in stoppage time to give the Red Bulls their third loss of the 2023 season.

Sunday's match will be broadcast on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app. Additionally, the contest will be transmitted locally in Spanish on TUDN 1200 AM.

CHICAGO FIRE FC LOSE IN STOPPAGE TIME TO ATLANTA UNITED FC

Chicago Fire FC lost their second game of the season in a hard-fought match against Atlanta United FC last Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Highlighted by the 150th Major League Soccer appearance by Fire midfielder Fabian Herbers, Chicago saw themselves down 1-0 just 15 minutes into the match. After creating chances, the Fire looked to Kacper Przybyłko, who came off the bench with 10 minutes left in the match and equalized the score off of an assist from Homegrown Brian Gutiérrez. With the assist, the Chicago native tallied his team-high fourth assist of the 2023 season.

However, after nine minutes of stoppage time, Atlanta capitalized on a corner kick that deflected off of Maren Haile-Selassie's back and handed the Fire a 2-1 loss on the road.

The match was the 800th league match in franchise history, with the Fire posting an all-time record of 297-198-305 since joining Major League Soccer in 1997. Chicago returns to the Windy City for two match this week, the first being the third round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matchup against Chicago House AC on Wednesday, April 26 at 7 p.m. CT. Three days later, Chicago returns to league play against New York Red Bulls on Saturday, April 29 at Soldier Field.

LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP FUN FACTS!

Chicago heads into Wednesday's match with a lot of history.

The Fire boast the most championships for a Major League Soccer franchise with four dating back to their first title in 1998, in the Club's first season. (1998, 2000, 2003, 2006) They are tied with Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City, and are aiming to become the first MLS franchise to win five U.S. Open Cup titles. Additionally, the Fire also have the most appearances in the finals with six.

Illinois boasts the fifth-most championships by state in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup history with nine. The first title in state history was claimed in 1939 when Chicago Sparta, members of the National Soccer League defeated Brooklyn St. Mary's Celtic (ASL II) 6-2 in aggregate play to claim Chicago's very first title.

Eight years later, Chicago Viking A.A. of the NSL claimed the state's second title in 1946. The Chicago Falcons won the third in 1953 and it wouldn't be until 1990 when another Chicago-based team would win the historic title when the AAC Eagles captured their only title.

This year, there are only two Illinois-based clubs taking part in the tournament. It's only fitting the lone two teams face off in the third round this Wednesday night. So far, every time Chicago Fire FC has defeated another Chicago-based club, the Fire have gone on to claim a title (1998, 2000). The Fire look to keep that tradition alive when they face Chicago House AC this Wednesday, April 26 at 7 p.m. CT at SeatGeek Stadium.

NOW INTRODUCING...GABE RAMIREZ!

Chicago Fire FC recently announced the hiring of Gabe Ramirez as the new in-host arena for home matches at Soldier Field!

A Chicago native, Ramirez is best known for his work on prominent radio station 670 The Score. The dynamic host also works as a sports contributor on Fox 32 News and as a radio host on B96.

Having already made appearances as the In-Stadium host, Ramirez will present unique matchday experiences and generally bring Chicago Fire fans closer to the game and players at every Fire home match. You can catch Gabe walking the concourses of Soldier Field and serving as the newest voice for your Chicago Fire FC all season long!

THE 100th EPISODE OF THE INTERCONTINENTAL SHOW!

Your favorite Chicago Fire FC podcast turns 100!

Hosted by Fire ambassador Tyler Terens, the Intercontinental Show celebrates it's 100th episode by recapping the last 99, as well as discussing the current state of Chicago Fire FC and much more!

The Intercontinental Football Show is presented by Chicago's own Revolution Brewing, maker of Chicago Fire FC craft beer Hazy Pitch. Click the link below to listen now on your favorite platform!

Check out the Chicago Fire FC Statistics

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Images from this story

Chicago Fire FC midfielder Brian Gutiérrez
Chicago Fire FC midfielder Brian Gutiérrez
 Chicago Fire FC celebrate after a goal against the New York Red Bulls
Chicago Fire FC celebrate after a goal against the New York Red Bulls
  



Major League Soccer Stories from April 24, 2023


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