Match Summary
FC Cincinnati defeated Chicago Fire 3:2. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2025. Goals were scored by Evander 9′, H. Cuypers 31′, K. Denkey 42′, Evander 71′, B. Gutierrez 85′ (pen.). 4 yellow cards were shown. Chicago Fire had 57% possession while FC Cincinnati held 43%. Chicago Fire had 18 shots (5 on target) compared to 12 (8 on target) for FC Cincinnati. Expected goals: Chicago Fire 2.34 — FC Cincinnati 1.05. Chicago Fire made 4 substitutions, FC Cincinnati made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Chicago Fire and FC Cincinnati — 5 goals and 4 cards recorded during the match.
assist: Sergio Santos
assist: J. Bamba
assist: Sergio Santos
assist: L. Orellano
Penalty
Match Statistics
Chicago Fire had 57% possession against FC Cincinnati's 43%. Chicago Fire registered 18 shots (5 on target) while FC Cincinnati managed 12 (8 on target). Corner kicks: 6–1. Fouls committed: 13–11.
Lineups
Chicago Fire lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under Mike Matkovich, while FC Cincinnati deployed a 3-4-2-1 under Patrick John Noonan.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Chicago Fire is 6.81, compared to 6.97 for FC Cincinnati. 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. Chicago Fire's highest-rated starter is J. Bamba (7.01), while FC Cincinnati's best-rated player is K. Denkey (7.11).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Chicago Fire have contributed 6 goals and 6 assists this season, led by J. Bamba (6G). FC Cincinnati's starters account for 12 goals and 4 assists, spearheaded by K. Denkey (10G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Chicago Fire deploy 4 defenders rated 6.61 on average, against FC Cincinnati's 3-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
Chicago Fire field 3 midfielders averaging —, versus FC Cincinnati's 4 rated 6.95. 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
Chicago Fire start 3 forward(s) averaging 7.01, compared to 3 for FC Cincinnati averaging 6.99. 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 —% for Chicago Fire and 42% for FC Cincinnati. 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
Chicago Fire's starters have collected 4 yellow cards this season, compared to 6 for FC Cincinnati. 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 Chicago Fire's starting XI is 25.5 (youngest: O. Glasgow (22), oldest: J. Bamba (29)), while FC Cincinnati average 28.0 (youngest: K. Denkey (25), oldest: Sergio Santos (31)). 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
Chicago Fire's starters average 25 league appearances each, versus 15 for FC Cincinnati. 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, Chicago Fire have recorded 2 wins, 3 draws and 1 defeats. FC Cincinnati show 4 wins, 0 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Chicago Fire
FC Cincinnati
Head to Head
Chicago Fire and FC Cincinnati have met 1 times — Chicago Fire won 0, FC Cincinnati won 1, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. FC Cincinnati leads the head-to-head with 1 victories from 1 meetings. A combined 3 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 3.00 per match (1 for the home side, 2 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 2–1 in 2025.
0
Chicago Fire
0
Drawn
1
FC Cincinnati
Recent Meetings (1)
API data: 15 Mar 2026