In this edition of Oppo Research, Hudson River Blue spoke with Joe Chatz of On Tap Sports Net to learn more about the Chicago Fire, New York City FC's road opponent on Saturday night. Here is your NYCFC vs Chicago preview.
• League Form: W-L-W-D-W
• Record: 12W, 6D, 10L | 42 points, 9th place
• Scoring Leader: Hugo Cuypers, 16 goals
• Assist Leader: Philip Zinckernagel, 10 assists
1. Chicago could make playoffs for the first time since 2017
Hudson River Blue: You previously mentioned that Chicago’s only goal this season is to make the playoffs. With one loss in the last seven games, Chicago sit in 9th place — the final playoff spot — two points ahead of the New York Red Bulls with a game in hand. Could Chicago make the playoffs for the first time since 2017?
Joe Chatz: Short answer: Yes. The Chicago Fire’s defensive struggles have been at the forefront, but they can score goals pretty much at will, which has made them a tough team to deal with, unless your name is the Philadelphia Union.
The Fire have the talent and are playing at a level that should have them in the postseason for the first time since 2017, which would be massive for the organization in Gregg Berhalter's first year in charge.
2. Summer signing André Franco looks great
HRB: Summer signing André Franco, who joined Chicago on loan from FC Porto, had two assists in the 3-2 win over the New England Revolution. What have you seen from him in his two games played so far?
JC: Franco’s MLS debut came in the Fire’s 4-0 loss to Philadelphia, and he didn’t do much off the bench in that contest.
He was fabulous last weekend against a mediocre New England Revolution side and showcased the skillset that could keep him in Chicago long-term.
Franco’s ability to change speeds on the ball is something the Fire didn’t have in their locker room, and now they have a second attacking option in the midfield who makes them more dangerous.
3. Hugo Cuypers is still a threat
HRB: Hugo Cuypers has 16 goals this season, the most by a Chicago Fire player since Nemanja Nikolić scored 24 goals in 2017. His contract expires at the end of next season, so what do you think his future looks like at the club?
JC: I haven’t really thought about Cuypers’ contract after the 2026 MLS season, and that comes down to the complications of someone on a Designated Player salary. I’m sure he’d like to be in Chicago long-term, but his contract is at a salary level that may prevent that. If he were on a TAM salary, I could see Hugo Cuypers playing another 5 years in Chicago. He isn’t so TBD on that one.
4. The X-Factor: If Chicago plays a clean game
HRB: What's the X-factor that could decide this game?
JC: Can the Fire play a clean game? The reverse fixture was chaotic even before referee Rosendo Mendoza ignored VAR to send off Dje D’Avilla late in the second half, and the Fire need a calmer output on Saturday night.
Should Chicago avoid the stupid mistakes, they should be fine against NYCFC.
5. Predicted score, Starting XI
HRB: Prediction time: Starting XI? Final score?
JC: 2-1 Fire.
