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Chicago Fire vs Columbus Crew

Soldier Field, Chicago28 September 2025 at 01:30

Match Events

Chicago Fire
Columbus Crew
Kick Off
A. Gutman

assist: J. Elliott

25′
Goal cancelled36′
VAR
Half Time
46′
A. SejdicI. Aliyu
L. BarrosoJ. Dean
50′
H. Cuypers

assist: A. Franco

70′
71′
D. GazdagJ. Russell-Rowe
J. BambaB. Gutierrez
72′
D. D'AvillaM. Pineda
73′
P. ZinckernagelM. Haile-Selassie
73′
80′
A. HerreraL. Lappalainen
87′
Y. CheberkoC. Ruvalcaba
A. FrancoK. Acosta
90′
Full Time

Match Statistics

9Shots on Goal1
5Shots off Goal4
22Total Shots7
8Blocked Shots2
19Shots insidebox3
3Shots outsidebox4
7Fouls9
7Corner Kicks4
6Offsides4
51%Ball Possession49%
1Yellow Cards1
0Red Cards0
1Goalkeeper Saves6
482Total passes469
420Passes accurate393
87%Passes %84%
2.38expected_goals0.47
0goals_prevented0

Lineups

Squad Ratings

The overall squad rating for Chicago Fire is 6.96, compared to 6.68 for Columbus Crew. 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 H. Cuypers (7.83), while Columbus Crew's best-rated player is D. Chambost (7.07).

Attacking Output

The starting XI of Chicago Fire have contributed 17 goals and 8 assists this season, led by H. Cuypers (11G). Columbus Crew's starters account for 5 goals and 7 assists, spearheaded by M. Arfsten (3G). 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 3 defenders rated 6.63 on average, against Columbus Crew's 3-man backline averaging 6.57. 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 4 midfielders averaging 6.73, versus Columbus Crew's 4 rated 6.70. 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 7.50, compared to 3 for Columbus Crew averaging 6.77. 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 80% for Chicago Fire and 86% for Columbus Crew. 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 15 yellow cards this season, compared to 9 for Columbus Crew. 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 26.5 (youngest: L. Barroso (20), oldest: P. Zinckernagel (31)), while Columbus Crew average 28.3 (youngest: H. Picard (22), oldest: E. Bush (39)). 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 8 league appearances each, versus 8 for Columbus Crew. 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.

Chicago Fire3-4-33-4-2-1Columbus Crew
GKDEFMIDFWD
1Brady5Rogers16Waterman3Elliott2Barroso10Franco42D'Avilla15Gutman11Zincker.9Cuypers19Bamba24Bush31Moreira21Cheberko18Amundsen2Herrera14Sejdic6Nagbe27Arfsten7Chambost30Picard8Gazdag

Substitutes

Coach: Mike Matkovich

Substitutes

Coach: Wilfried Nancy

Chicago FirePosition StrengthColumbus Crew
6.96
Avg Rating
6.68
7.01Goalkeeper (1 v 1)
0G 0A0G 0A
6.63Defender (3 v 3)6.57
0G 1A0G 0A
6.73Midfielder (4 v 4)6.70
0G 2A3G 5A
7.50Forward (3 v 3)6.77
17G 5A2G 2A
Chicago Fire3-4-3
1GoalkeeperC. Brady7.0
5DefenderS. Rogers6.3
16DefenderJ. Waterman6.7
3DefenderJ. Elliott6.91A
2MidfielderL. Barroso6.7
10MidfielderA. Franco
42MidfielderD. D'Avilla6.7
15MidfielderA. Gutman6.82A
11ForwardP. Zinckernagel7.54G3A
9ForwardH. Cuypers7.811G
19ForwardJ. Bamba7.22G2A
Columbus Crew3-4-2-1
24GoalkeeperE. Bush
31DefenderS. Moreira6.6
21DefenderY. Cheberko6.3
18DefenderM. Amundsen6.8
2MidfielderA. Herrera6.51A
14MidfielderA. Sejdic6.5
6MidfielderD. Nagbe
27MidfielderM. Arfsten7.03G4A
7ForwardD. Chambost7.11A
30ForwardH. Picard6.61G1A
8ForwardD. Gazdag6.61G

Match Summary

Chicago Fire defeated Columbus Crew 2:0. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2025. Goals were scored by A. Gutman 25′, H. Cuypers 70′. 2 yellow cards were shown. Chicago Fire had 51% possession while Columbus Crew held 49%. Chicago Fire had 22 shots (9 on target) compared to 7 (1 on target) for Columbus Crew. Expected goals: Chicago Fire 2.38 — Columbus Crew 0.47. Chicago Fire made 5 substitutions, Columbus Crew made 4. VAR was involved: Goal cancelled (Samuel Rogers 36′).

Rivalry since 2012

Chicago Fire vs Columbus Crew Head to Head Results

37 stretnutí
Chicago Fire
9
wins
Drawn
11
Columbus Crew
17
wins
Total goals
97 · 2.6/match
Both scored
21/37 · 57%
Over 2.5
22/37 · 59%

Recent Meetings

Highest-scoring game: 42 v 2025

Recent Form

Chicago Fire

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Columbus Crew

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Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

API data: 11 May 2026