Chicago Fire FC recorded their first home win of the 2023 season, defeating Minnesota United FC 2-1 at home this past Saturday. In the first-ever meeting between the two teams at Soldier Field, the Fire were led by a brace from veteran striker Kei Kamara, and five saves from Homegrown goalkeeper Chris Brady. The match marked the first time the first meeting between Chicago and Minnesota this season, ahead of their Leagues Cup 2023 match on July 27 at Allianz Field.
With the victory, the Fire moved up to sixth place in the Eastern Conference with a game in hand in the standings. Additionally, Saturday also saw the Fire extend their unbeaten streak at Soldier Field to four games (1-0-3). With Kamara’s brace, the Sierra Leone native now has 142 regular season goals in his career, extending his record amongst active players. The two goals also bring him within three goals of MLS legend Landon Donovan for second place in all-time regular season goals (145).
The match saw a few lineup changes for Chicago. Returning from international duty was Miguel Navarro, who logged his first start since representing Venezuela in the previous FIFA window. Also making his first appearance this season was defender Wyatt Omsberg, who made his season debut against his former side. Omsberg was originally selected 15th overall by Minnesota United FC in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft. The Scarborough, Me. native came in as a sub in the 69th minute and recorded 21 minutes of action in the win.
Finally, Saturday’s victory saw the MLS debut of Greek striker Georgios Koutsias, who came in for Kamara in the second half. Koutsias became the sixth newest member to record minutes this season for Chicago. Chicago will look for back-to-back wins this coming weekend, facing off against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. CT at Soldier Field.
Prior to the match against Philadelphia, Chicago will train at SeatGeek Stadium and the first 15 minutes of each session will be open to the media, with interviews with coaches and players occurring directly afterward. Media members interested in attending must RSVP and share any interview requests with Elizabeth Sánchez at esanchez@chicagofirefc.com at least 24 hours in advance of the training session they plan to attend. (Full schedule below).
CHICAGO FIRE FC SCHEDULE (APRIL 10-16)
Monday, April 10
Off day
Tuesday, April 11
Training at 10 a.m. CT at SeatGeek Stadium
Wednesday, April 12
Training at 10 a.m. CT at SeatGeek Stadium
Thursday, April 13
Training at 10 a.m. CT at SeatGeek Stadium
Friday, April 14
Training at 10 a.m. CT at Soldier Field (Location is tentative and subject to change)
Saturday, April 15
Chicago Fire FC vs. Philadelphia Union at Soldier Field at 7:30 p.m. CT
Sunday, April 16
Chicago Fire FC II vs. Philadelphia Union II at SeatGeek Stadium at 6 p.m. CT
CHICAGO FIRE FC TO CONCLUDE THREE-GAME HOMESTAND AGAINST PHILADELPHIA
Chicago Fire FC (2-1-3, 9 points) will remain in the Windy City for their third and final match of a three-game April homestand as they host the Philadelphia Union at 7:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, April 15 at Soldier Field. Saturday’s match will mark the 31st all-time meeting between the two clubs, and the second and final meeting of the 2023 regular season.
Tickets for the match against Philadelphia can be purchased here, and the match will be broadcast live on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app. Fans can subscribe to MLS Season Pass by clicking here. Entering the match, the Fire have an all-time record of 10-14-7 against Philadelphia since their first matchup in 2010.
In their first meeting of the 2023 season, Philadelphia defeated Chicago 1-0 in the dying minutes of the match on April 23, 2022 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pa. Although Chicago was in control for the majority of the match, Fire players Fabian Herbers and Kei Kamara were shown red cards, reducing the Fire down to nine men for the rest of the match. In the 89th minute, Philadelphia midfielder Joaquin Torres beat goalkeeper Chris Brady to guide the Union to their second victory of the season.
The Union (2-4-1, 7 points) currently sit in 10th place in the Eastern Conference. In their previous match, Philadelphia fell1-0 on the road against FC Cincinnati. After conceding a penalty in the 69th minute of play, Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta capitalized to hand the Union their fourth loss of the season, and the third in their last four outings. For the Fire, Saturday marks the first time the Club will play an opponent for the second time this season.
