Match Summary
New York Red Bulls defeated Chicago Fire 2:1. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2025. Goals were scored by J. Bamba 32′, S. Ngoma 41′, E. M. Choupo-Moting 45′ (pen.). New York Red Bulls had 44% possession while Chicago Fire held 56%. New York Red Bulls had 7 shots (6 on target) compared to 13 (6 on target) for Chicago Fire. Expected goals: New York Red Bulls 1.36 — Chicago Fire 1.86. New York Red Bulls made 5 substitutions, Chicago Fire made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between New York Red Bulls and Chicago Fire — 3 goals and 0 cards recorded during the match.
Penalty
Match Statistics
New York Red Bulls had 44% possession against Chicago Fire's 56%. New York Red Bulls registered 7 shots (6 on target) while Chicago Fire managed 13 (6 on target). Corner kicks: 2–4. Fouls committed: 6–16.
Lineups
New York Red Bulls lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Sandro Schwarz, while Chicago Fire deployed a 4-3-3 under Mike Matkovich.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for New York Red Bulls is 6.94, compared to 7.01 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. New York Red Bulls's highest-rated starter is E. Forsberg (7.30), while Chicago Fire's best-rated player is J. Bamba (7.01).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of New York Red Bulls have contributed 19 goals and 13 assists this season, led by E. Forsberg (11G). Chicago Fire's starters account for 6 goals and 5 assists, spearheaded by J. Bamba (6G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
New York Red Bulls deploy 4 defenders rated 6.98 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
New York Red Bulls field 5 midfielders averaging 6.89, versus Chicago Fire's 3 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
New York Red Bulls start 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 3 for Chicago Fire averaging 7.01. 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 50% for New York Red Bulls 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
New York Red Bulls's starters have collected 30 yellow cards this season, compared to 4 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 New York Red Bulls's starting XI is 24.3 (youngest: S. Ngoma (20), oldest: E. Forsberg (34)), while Chicago Fire average 29.0 (youngest: J. Bamba (29), oldest: J. Bamba (29)). 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
New York Red Bulls's starters average 26 league appearances each, versus 36 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, New York Red Bulls have recorded 1 wins, 1 draws and 4 defeats. Chicago Fire show 2 wins, 3 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
New York Red Bulls
Chicago Fire
Head to Head
New York Red Bulls and Chicago Fire have met 1 times — New York Red Bulls won 0, Chicago Fire won 1, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Chicago Fire leads the head-to-head with 1 victories from 1 meetings. A combined 1 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 1.00 per match (0 for the home side, 1 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 0 matches (0%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 0 games (0%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 1–0 in 2025.
0
New York Red Bulls
0
Drawn
1
Chicago Fire
Recent Meetings (1)
API data: 15 Mar 2026