Preview: FC Cincinnati Look to Extinguish The Fire in the Windy City
Shawn Behmer
FC Cincinnati is coming off a shocking clean-sheet victory over Red Bull New Jersey and is looking to build momentum as they travel to Chicago Fire. More importantly, The Post’s Damon Gumbert will be in attendance to cover this anticipated rematch as an away-day reporter.
The FC currently sits at 9th in the Eastern Conference and 19th in the Supporters’ Shield race. It’s worth noting that The Orange and Blue sit at 3rd in total xG while allowing the fourth-most goals in MLS play.
On the other hand, Chicago sits at 3rd in the Eastern Conference and 7th in the Supporters’ Shield race. Chicago Fire and The FC both average about 1.9 goals per match in MLS play. So, how do they match up?
FC Cincinnati holds a 7-4-5 record against Chicago Fire. Additionally, The FC has not lost to Chicago since 2024 and has not lost at Soldier Field since 2020.
Players to watch
FC Cincinnati -
Kévin Denkey: This forward is on fire with two consecutive braces in the last two matches and sits at 10 goals in all competitions this year. Need I say more?
Andrei Chirila: The 17 year-old has been outstanding these last two matches and he is receiving national attention. However, will he be up to the task of closing down Hugo Cuypers?
Pavel Bucha: Many are saying he is the strongest player on The FC. Bucha sits at 99 appearances and is set to make his 100th appearance for The FC this weekend – which would make him the 11th player in club history to reach 100 appearances.
Chicago Fire -
Hugo Cuypers: Well. He is the number one player in MLS according to the FotMob ratings and has 8 goals on the season – the fifth-most in the league. Let’s just hope our backline can keep it together.
Chris Brady: Also according to FotMob, he has the third most goals prevented in MLS. So… he has been standing on his head this season for Chicago as he looks to make the USMNT World Cup roster. With an in-form Denkey and creative offense, can The FC get two… three… or five past him?
FC Cincinnati vs PRO Referees
Our PRO Referees assignment -
REF: Joe Dickerson
AR1: Cameron Blanchard
AR2: Logan Brown
4TH: Ricardo Montero Araya
VAR: Jose Carlos Rivero
AVAR: Craig Lowry
Joe Dickerson has made 227 appearances as a ref and issued 943 yellow cards with an average of 4.2 yellow cards per match.
FC Cincinnati lineup notes
Teenage Hadebe is out
Alvas Powell is out.
Miles Robinson is out.
Obinna Nwobodo is out.
Kristian Fletcher is out
FC Cincinnati predictions against Chicago Fire
The Chief: 2-2
Kevin: 3-1, The FC
Damon: 2-1, Bad guys, Cuypers brace
How to watch FC Cincinnati against Chicago Fire
FC Cincinnati head to Soldier Field for a rematch with Chicago Fire on Saturday, May 2. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. You can watch the match on Apple TV or by visiting our good friends at Streetside Brewery.
A special thank you to our supporters on Patreon and to our sponsors, E&L Roofing and Streetside Brewery for keeping the lights on.