Match Summary
FC Cincinnati defeated Chicago Fire 2:1. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2025. Goals were scored by Evander 19′, K. Denkey 50′, P. Zinckernagel 55′. 4 yellow cards were shown. FC Cincinnati had 47% possession while Chicago Fire held 53%. FC Cincinnati had 13 shots (4 on target) compared to 15 (5 on target) for Chicago Fire. Expected goals: FC Cincinnati 0.99 — Chicago Fire 0.78. FC Cincinnati made 4 substitutions, Chicago Fire made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between FC Cincinnati and Chicago Fire — 3 goals and 4 cards recorded during the match.
assist: L. Orellano
Match Statistics
FC Cincinnati had 47% possession against Chicago Fire's 53%. FC Cincinnati registered 13 shots (4 on target) while Chicago Fire managed 15 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 1–10. Fouls committed: 8–13.
Lineups
FC Cincinnati lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation under Patrick John Noonan, while Chicago Fire deployed a 4-3-3 under Mike Matkovich.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for FC Cincinnati is 7.01, 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. FC Cincinnati's highest-rated starter is K. Denkey (7.11), while Chicago Fire's best-rated player is J. Bamba (7.01).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of FC Cincinnati have contributed 11 goals and 2 assists this season, led by K. Denkey (10G). 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
FC Cincinnati deploy 3 defenders rated — 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
FC Cincinnati field 4 midfielders averaging 6.95, 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
FC Cincinnati start 3 forward(s) averaging 7.11, 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 42% for FC Cincinnati 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
FC Cincinnati's starters have collected 6 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 FC Cincinnati's starting XI is 27.0 (youngest: K. Denkey (25), oldest: T. Anunga (29)), 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
FC Cincinnati's starters average 15 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, FC Cincinnati have recorded 4 wins, 0 draws and 2 defeats. Chicago Fire show 2 wins, 3 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
FC Cincinnati
Chicago Fire
Head to Head
FC Cincinnati and Chicago Fire have met 1 times — FC Cincinnati won 1, Chicago Fire won 0, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. FC Cincinnati leads the head-to-head with 1 victories from 1 meetings. A combined 5 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 5.00 per match (3 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 2–3 in 2025.
1
FC Cincinnati
0
Drawn
0
Chicago Fire
Recent Meetings (1)
API data: 15 Mar 2026