Chicago Fire Seize MLS Cup Playoff Fate with Stunning Upset Victory in Thrilling 'Dog Fight'
Chicago Fire FC continue to pursue their aspirations during the closing weeks of the 2025 MLS regular season campaign.
This past Saturday evening, they delivered Minnesota United FC their seventh defeat of the campaign, overwhelming the Western Conference's third-place squad 3–0 away from home, with a pair of set-piece strikes paving the path to victory.
The victory maintained their control over their MLS Cup Playoff fate, elevating them to 45 points, sitting just two points behind the ninth and ultimate playoff position, marginally ahead of the New York Red Bulls, who secured a 2–0 triumph over CF Montréal on Saturday.
This represents a dual benefit for Chicago, as they possess an additional match compared to the Red Bulls while pursuing their first postseason berth since 2017.
Though the Fire have four matches left and could potentially accumulate 57 points, merely remaining in playoff contention marks a crucial milestone for head coach Gregg Berhalter during his inaugural campaign on the sideline, after his stint with the U.S. men's national squad.
"We understand we're in a battle... We're aware the Red Bulls secured another victory today, and that's the reality. Therefore, we'll continue pushing forward," Berhalter commented after the match. "It's another three points to maintain our momentum and keep us in the conversation, which is positive."
Recently acquired central defender Joel Waterman and Djé D'Avilla netted the opening two strikes from set pieces. However, it was Philip Zinckernagel's moment of magic that produced the third goal, showcasing a fundamental reason Chicago has stayed competitive.
Though the Fire have shown defensive vulnerabilities at times, Zinckernagel has been vital to their achievements, contributing 14 goals and 13 assists. Meanwhile, primary striker Hugo Cuypers has found the net 14 times, and together they've accounted for 30 of the team's 57 goals this campaign.
Beyond the primary attacking threats, Saturday's triumph followed a tactical adjustment from Berhalter, choosing to deploy a three-man backline featuring Waterman, Jack Elliott and Sam Rogers, marking the first departure from a four-man defense this season.
The formation change also positioned André Franco and D'Avilla as a central midfield partnership, with both players excelling in their adjusted responsibilities.
The attacking effectiveness, tactical flexibility and away form have represented a development journey for Berhalter and the Fire this season, but should they secure an MLS Cup Playoffs berth, they won't be easily eliminated, having established a record with eight road victories this campaign.
Moving forward, they'll focus on their remaining fixtures against the Columbus Crew, Inter Miami, Toronto FC, and the New England Revolution to conclude the season.
Should they surpass the Red Bulls when the final whistle sounds on Oct. 18's Decision Day, they would presumably travel for an Eastern Conference Wild Card encounter on Oct. 22.