Major League Soccer· Season 2025
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′).
Match Events
Key match events between Chicago Fire and Columbus Crew — 2 goals and 2 cards recorded during the match.
assist: J. Elliott
assist: A. Franco
Match Statistics
Chicago Fire had 51% possession against Columbus Crew's 49%. Chicago Fire registered 22 shots (9 on target) while Columbus Crew managed 7 (1 on target). Corner kicks: 7–4. Fouls committed: 7–9.
Lineups
Chicago Fire lined up in a 3-4-3 formation under Mike Matkovich, while Columbus Crew deployed a 3-4-2-1 under Wilfried Nancy.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Chicago Fire is 6.97, compared to 6.71 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 (7.70), while Columbus Crew's best-rated player is M. Arfsten (7.05).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Chicago Fire have contributed 21 goals and 11 assists this season, led by H. Cuypers (13G). Columbus Crew's starters account for 7 goals and 8 assists, spearheaded by M. Arfsten (4G). 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 6.66 on average, against Columbus Crew's 3-man backline averaging 6.65. 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 6.77, versus Columbus Crew's 4 rated 6.72. 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 7.43, compared to 3 for Columbus Crew averaging 6.75. 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 22 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 10 league appearances each, versus 10 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.
Substitutes
Coach: Mike Matkovich
Substitutes
Coach: Wilfried Nancy
Rivalry since 2012
Chicago Fire vs Columbus Crew Head to Head Results· 37
Chicago Fire and Columbus Crew have met 37 times — Chicago Fire won 9, Columbus Crew won 17, with 11 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2012. Columbus Crew leads the head-to-head with 17 victories from 37 meetings. A combined 97 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.62 per match (36 for the home side, 61 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 21 matches (57%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 22 games (59%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Columbus Crew are currently unbeaten in the last 9 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 4–2 in 2025.
Recent Meetings
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Chicago Fire have recorded 3 wins, 0 draws and 3 defeats. Columbus Crew show 2 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 11 May 2026