CHGO Chicago Fire Podcast

Three games to go in the regular season! The Fire remain in 4th place after Saturday’s win in Atlanta. Is that where they’ll stay? And who are they likely to face? One possibility is Orlando City, who visit Soldier Field on Wednesday with their electric offense led by Antoine Griezmann and historically porous defense. The Men in Red will hope to build on Saturday’s wild win following defeats against fellow playoff-destined foes Philadelphia and New England. Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski hasn’t scored in 7 matches, the longest stretch of his pro career by minutes between goals. How big a worry is it and how much is on the Polish legend? And, of course, the Fire have more suspension problems to go with lingering injury concerns. Time for the rubber to meet the road on the run-in towards the postseason!

An ALLCITY Network Production

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

#ChicagoFire #cf97 #VamosFire #ReturnToRed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

0:00 Show start
1:20 Fire have won last three!
17:00 Fire FC vs. Philadelphia Union Preview

No team in Major League Soccer has been better since the World Cup than the Philadelphia Union. They’ve won 11 of their 13 matches and surged from dead last in the league up to 6th place in the Eastern Conference and only six points behind the 3rd-place Fire.
The Fire, then, have picked a good time to figure some things out as after six straight without a win they’ve had three wins from three over the last couple of weeks including over West-leading Vancouver and personal kryptonite NYCFC.
Can the Fire deal young star Cavan Sullivan and his teammates their first loss in months and keep their own winning streak going?
Also, Maren Haile-Selassie might be in as good of form as anyone besides Sullivan or Messi and was rewarded with a new contract as the Fire are slowly working their way to having everyone on the roster available… maybe.

An ALLCITY Network Production

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

#ChicagoFire #cf97 #VamosFire #ReturnToRed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

After winning six straight matches across MLS play and Phase 1 of Leagues Cup, the Fire are winless in seven including four straight draws followed by losses to New England and Nashville. With the upcoming schedule not getting any easier, is it time to panic? Is this just the team regressing to the mean and we got too excited with earlier good results? Is there any progress being made on organizing the team around Robert Lewandowski?
On the bright side, Anzor Mekvabishvili has arrived in Chicago and Andreas Hanche-Olsen shouldn’t be far behind. Less ideal is that Mekvabishvili and Lewandowski along with Chris Brady, Robin Lod and Puso Dithejane will all be unavailable the next two matches while on international duty.
Four points from a top-4 place in the Eastern Conference and seven points above the playoff line… which way will the Fire go next?

An ALLCITY Network Production
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
#ChicagoFire #cf97 #VamosFire #ReturnToRed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

The Fire prepare to entertain Lionel Messi and friends tomorrow night amid a bit of a turbulent time for the squad. Three straight draws, a frenzied end to the transfer window, and unknown futures for a couple of those signings as well as players out injured mean the Fire aren’t at their best ahead of one of the most pivotal remaining matches of the season. We recap that flurry of late summer roster moves, look and what has and hasn’t worked in the string of 1-point results, and look ahead to what might be the GOAT’s final visit to Chicago. Also, injuries and a sudden retirement.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After initially stumbling a bit out of the World Cup break, the Chicago Fire have now won five straight games including being the only MLS team to go perfect in their three matches of Phase 1 in Leagues Cup. As luck would have it, that means a quarterfinal matchup next week against CF Monterrey and old friend Hugo Cuypers. The final hurdle was a win over Cruz Azul in the less than friendly confines of SeatGeek Stadium. Is that Gregg Berhalter’s biggest win as Fire head coach? And after Sunday’s win against Portland, how are we feeling about the Fire ahead of (at least) 9 games in less than 40 days? Alex is joined by Joe Chatz of WLS 890 and On Tap Sports Net for an episode that’s hopefully as fun as it’s been to watch the Fire lately.

An ALLCITY Network Production

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

#ChicagoFire #cf97 #VamosFire #ReturnToRed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

After two dismal performances out of the World Cup break, the Chicago Fire returned to Soldier Field on Saturday night, where Robert Lewandowski announced himself to the city with two goals to defeat Charlotte FC. What was different about this game, and does it look like the Fire have figured some things out after looking lost in Miami and New York? Also, just when we were getting used to MLS being back, it’s time for another break because of Leagues Cup. Should the Fire care about this tournament? How much does it depend on Thursday’s first game against Necaxa, with Santos Laguna and Cruz Azul to follow?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

So much for all the planning and talk of Hugo Cuypers and Robert Lewandowski playing together! Following the arrival of the Polish legend, the MLS Golden Boot leader informed the Fire of his desire to leave the club. Thus, a deal has been agreed in principle with CF Monterrey of Liga MX for a $7.5 million transfer fee. Is that good value? What do the Fire have to do now to improve the team and maximize Lewandowski’s skills? Should they have seen this coming? Also: Andre Franco and Leonardo Barroso still aren’t healthy, which isn’t great. A VERY busy second half of the season begins Wednesday in Miami, buckle up!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As first reported by The Athletic, Fire striker and MLS Golden boot leader Hugo Cuypers has been sold to CF Monterrey of Liga MX for $7.5 million. Why make this move now? What might the Fire do next? Is this worth the trade off for Lewandowski? We react to the blockbuster move on this CHGO Emergency Podcast presented by Xfinity Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

The United States Men’s National team won their first knockout match at a World Cup since 2002 last Wednesday when they defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to advance to the Round of 16 Monday night in Seattle to face Belgium. Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman provided the goals, while Balogun was suspended… until he wasn’t, maybe or maybe not thanks to the White House?? The US will look to avenge their 2014 elimination by Belgium at the same stage and look to repeat the feat of 2022 and reach the Quarterfinals.
We’ll also check in on what’s been going on elsewhere in the knockout rounds.
It’s a momentous, news-packed and hopefully not the last episode of the CHGO USMNT World Cup Preview Podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

The United States Men’s National Team may have lost to Turkiye on the last kick of the game, but who cares! They won their group and now it is time for the knockouts. They’ll face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday night in Silicon Valley in search of their first knockout stage win since 2002. We get to know their opponents (including a Chicago connection!) and plot the course toward a potentially historic run.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

IT’S HAPPENING! According to multiple reports, the Fire have agreed to sign Polish legend and former Bayern Munich + Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski on a 2-year contract. Alex reacts to the news and takes your questions on this CHGO Fire Emergency Podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

After making history with a record four-goal performance in their opener against Paraguay, the United States Men’s National Team have done it again. In another first since 1930, they’ve won consecutive games at a World Cup for the first time. Not only that, thanks to new tiebreaker rules that prioritize head-to-head results, they’ve already won Group D with a game to spare.

More bizarrely, their final group stage opponents Turkiye are already eliminated. What impact with that have on the lineup and how both teams approach the game? With being able to look ahead, we can also see how the the USMNT’s potential Round of 32 opponents are shaping up.

An ALLCITY Network Production

⚽️🇺🇸 WORLD CUP WATCH PARTIES 🇺🇸⚽️
We’re taking over Chicago for every USA match 👀

📍 June 25 vs Turkey — Joe’s on Weed
🎟️ FREE entry
🍹 Special World Cup cocktails from @donjulio 1942, @casamigos & @buchanansusa
🎁 Deals, samples + prizes
Pull up 🇺🇸

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

#ChicagoFire #cf97 #VamosFire #ReturnToRed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

What a start! The US Men’s National Team made history on Friday night in Los Angeles, defeating Paraguay 4-1 in the highest scoring performance in USMNT World Cup history. Folarin Balogun became the first US men’s player in almost 100 years to score two goals in a World Cup game, while a Paraguay own goal and ludicrous last-minute strike from Gio Reyna supplied the other tallies. Now the US prepare for Australia on Friday in Seattle, with the Socceroos also having won their opening game 2-0 over Turkiye. Will one of these teams book their spot in the knockout round with a match to spare??

Also: a brief Chicago Fire update regarding their pursuit of Polish legend Robert Lewandowski.

⚽️🇺🇸 WORLD CUP WATCH PARTIES 🇺🇸⚽️

We’re taking over Chicago for every USA match 👀

📍 June 19 vs Australia — Bub City
📍 June 25 vs Turkey — Joe’s on Weed

🎟️ FREE entry
🍹 Special World Cup cocktails from @donjulio 1942, @casamigos & @buchanansusa
🎁 Deals, samples + prizes

Pull up 🇺🇸 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

The 2026 World Cup across the United States, Mexico and Canada is upon us! Following a pair of warmup matches in Charlotte and at Soldier Field, Mauricio Pochettino’s men are gearing up for their Group D opener against Paraguay on Friday night in LA. On this first of a series of special World Cup podcast episodes, we’ll get you up to speed on the US team, what we’ve learned from these recent friendlies, what lies ahead of them and how far they might be able to go?
Alex Campbell of CHGO Fire and CHGO Stars is joined by Alex Calabrese of Men In Red 97 Media + MLSsoccer.com as we count down to kickoff! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Fire goalkeeper and Naperville, IL native Chris Brady is on the USMNT roster for the World Cup! We sing his praises and look back at both how he got here and the history of Fire players at the tournament (which will possibly also include Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Joel Waterman this summer). Meanwhile, Hugo Cuypers’ record-setting goal-scoring streak helps the Fire go into the break on a three-game winning streak and sitting third in the Eastern Conference. What went right in the last few games, and what might the Fire be up to once they get back from a three-week vacation?
Alex is joined by Joe Chatz of WLS AM890 and On Tap Sports to discuss all that and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

The Chicago Fire defense is suddenly falling apart at the worst possible time, allowing three goals in three of their last four MLS matches and slipping down the Eastern Conference standings. Despite Hugo Cuypers continuing his incredible goal-scoring form, Gregg Berhalter’s squad has struggled to stop opponents like FC Cincinnati, Evander, and a young New York Red Bulls team that looked far more composed at Soldier Field. Just weeks after looking like one of the league’s toughest defensive units, the Fire now head toward the World Cup break searching for answers. On the CHGO Fire Podcast, host Alex Campbell breaks down what’s gone wrong defensively, what adjustments need to happen fast, and whether Chicago can turn things around in their final three matches before the break.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hugo Cuypers is living up to the ‘Hugoal’ nickname, as the Fire striker has now scored in a team record six straight games! His goals weren’t enough to get better than a frustrating draw in Cincinnati, but they did aid in an absolute demolition of former Fire head coach Rafaeal Wicky’s MLS-worst Sporting Kansas City team. The Fire now sit in third place in the Eastern Conference only behind Nashville and Miami as they get set for the Open Cup Round of 16 vs St. Louis on Wednesday and a quick opportunity for another go at Cincinnati on Saturday. We’ve got plenty of games and plenty of goals to talk about today on CHGO Fire!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Following a second straight clean sheet and third straight win, the Chicago Fire find themselves in 2nd place in the MLS Eastern Conference only trailing Nashville SC who they deal their first loss of the season between victories in Philadelphia and against Atlanta.

What’s changed to get the Fire into this rhythm? Who has stood out? Is winning games 1-0 sustainable for this team? Does this make us less worried about the health of Hugo Cuypers? How excited should fans be getting about this team as we look ahead to what feels like a softer stretch of the schedule?

Also, the Fire begin their 2026 Open Cup journey tonight in Detroit! Where should the tournament rank as a priority for Gregg Berhalter? John Thornton of Men In Red 97’s ‘The Bonfire’ joins Alex for an exciting edition of the CHGO Fire Podcast

An ALLCITY Network Production

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

#ChicagoFire #cf97 #VamosFire #ReturnToRed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

The Chicago Fire split their last two matches since the last show. First, in a deja vu of last year, they blew at late lead at home vs DC United and came up empty in a frustrating performance. Then, on the road in Philadelphia, they took the lead twice and held it the second time to take 3 points from the hapless Union in a game that saw the return of Andrew Gutman but an early exit for Philip Zinckernagel. One thing that was the same: Hugo Cuypers of course scored in both games!

What have we learned about the 2026 Fire so far? How do we feel about this team that is so consistently inconsistent? Alex and Joe Chatz of WLS/On Tap Sports net discuss on this edition of CHGO Fire Podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

The Chicago Fire Football Club broke ground today for their new stadium site at The 78! CHGO Fire host, Alex Campbell attended the event and will discuss this historic day for Chicago Soccer!

An ALLCITY Network Production

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

#ChicagoFire #cf97 #VamosFire #ReturnToRed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.