Match Summary
Columbus Crew defeated Chicago Fire 3:0. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2023. Goals were scored by C. Hernández 8′ (pen.), C. Hernández 16′ (pen.), C. Hernández 23′. 7 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. Columbus Crew had 67% possession while Chicago Fire held 33%. Columbus Crew had 17 shots (4 on target) compared to 8 (1 on target) for Chicago Fire. Expected goals: Columbus Crew 2.26 — Chicago Fire 0.38. Columbus Crew made 5 substitutions, Chicago Fire made 5. VAR was involved: Penalty confirmed (Diego Rossi 6′), Penalty confirmed (Yaw Yeboah 15′).
Match Events
Key match events between Columbus Crew and Chicago Fire — 3 goals and 8 cards recorded during the match.
Penalty
Penalty
assist: J. Gressel
Match Statistics
Columbus Crew had 67% possession against Chicago Fire's 33%. Columbus Crew registered 17 shots (4 on target) while Chicago Fire managed 8 (1 on target). Corner kicks: 6–3. Fouls committed: 6–14.
Lineups
Columbus Crew lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under W. Nancy, while Chicago Fire deployed a 4-4-2 under F. Klopas.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Columbus Crew is 6.88, compared to — for Chicago Fire. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Columbus Crew's highest-rated starter is S. Moreira (6.90), while Chicago Fire's best-rated player is —.
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Columbus Crew have contributed 1 goals and 2 assists this season, led by S. Moreira (1G). Chicago Fire's starters account for 0 goals and 0 assists, spearheaded by —. Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Columbus Crew deploy 3 defenders rated 6.90 on average, against Chicago Fire's 4-man backline averaging —. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Columbus Crew field 4 midfielders averaging 6.90, versus Chicago Fire's 4 rated —. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Columbus Crew start 3 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 2 for Chicago Fire averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 53% for Columbus Crew and —% for Chicago Fire. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Columbus Crew's starters have collected 8 yellow cards this season, compared to 0 for Chicago Fire. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Columbus Crew's starting XI is 28.8 (youngest: P. Schulte (24), oldest: D. Nagbe (35)), while Chicago Fire average 30.8 (youngest: G. Koutsias (21), oldest: R. Czichos (35)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Columbus Crew's starters average 30 league appearances each, versus 0 for Chicago Fire. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Columbus Crew have recorded 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 defeats. Chicago Fire show 2 wins, 3 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Columbus Crew
Chicago Fire
Head to Head
Columbus Crew and Chicago Fire have met 2 times — Columbus Crew won 1, Chicago Fire won 1, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. A combined 8 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 4.00 per match (4 for the home side, 4 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 matches (50%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 games (50%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 4–2 in 2025.
1
Columbus Crew
0
Drawn
1
Chicago Fire
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026