Chicago Fire FC returns to the Windy City for a few days of training following a successful week of results against the Portland Timbers and Sporting Kansas City. The Fire recorded six points in a week that saw Chicago rise up the Eastern Conference table heading into another road match this Saturday, July 1 against Orlando City SC at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
Last Saturday’s match against Portland saw Chicago Fire FC defeat the Timbers 2-1 in what was Chicago’s first win against Portland in franchise history. Led by a pair of assists from Homegrown midfielder Brian Gutierrez, the Fire earned three points after veteran striker Kei Kamara scored the game-winning goal in the 83rd minute to notch his 144th MLS regular season goal, and his fifth for the Fire in 2023, putting him just one goal shy of tying Landon Donovan for second place on the MLS all-time scoring list.
Just a few days later, the Fire faced Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Missouri. In their second of three road matches, Chicago picked up a clean sheet victory after midfielder Fabian Herbers scored his 11th career goal for the Fire and his first game-winning goal of the season. Herbers’ goal in back-to-back matches would be all Chicago needed, along with five saves from Homegrown goalkeeper Chris Brady to give the Fire another three points on the road stand. With the win, Chicago is undefeated against Western Conference teams, sitting at a perfect 4-0-0 record this season.
This week, the Fire 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 (JUNE 27-JULY 2)
Tuesday, June 27
Training at 10 a.m. CT at SeatGeek Stadium
Wednesday, June 28
Training at 10 a.m. CT at SeatGeek Stadium
Thursday, June 29
Training at 10 a.m. CT at SeatGeek Stadium
Travel to Orlando
Friday, June 30
Training in Orlando, Florida
Saturday, July 1
Chicago Fire FC at Orlando City SC at Exploria Stadium at 6:30 p.m. CT
Sunday, July 2
Chicago Fire FC II vs. Columbus Crew 2 at SeatGeek Stadium at 5 p.m. CT
KEI KAMARA CLOSE TO HISTORY!
Veteran striker and current Chicago Fire FC golden boot leader Kei Kamara inched his way up on the MLS all-time scoring leaderboard with his game-winning goal on Wednesday, June 21 over the Portland Timbers.
After Chicago won a throw-in on the left side of the pitch in the 83rd minute of play, the ball was collected by Homegrown midfielder Brian Gutiérrez inside the box. Gutiérrez served to the far post for Kamara, who elevated for a header that bounced in front of the goal before going in and hitting the roof of the net. With the marker, Kamara lifted the Fire to three points and their first win in franchise history over the Timbers.
Additionally, Kamara now sits at 144 career goals - one shy of tying MLS legend Landon Donovan for second most all-time.
Kamara, now in his 17th season, knocks on history’s door as he quickly approaches yet another impressive milestone in his illustrious football career.
TEAM OF THE MATCHDAY PERFORMANCES FROM FABIAN HERBERS AND BRIAN GUTIERREZ
Chicago Fire FC had an incredible pair of performances from midfielders Fabian Herbers and Brian Gutierrez. Following the pair of victories last week, Gutierrez was named to Team of the Matchday for Matchday 20, and Herbers was named for Matchday 21.
Gutierrez, the Homegrown youngster, leads the team with seven assists so far this season and is currently in fifth place in assists in Major League Soccer. With his two assists against Portland, Gutiérrez became the 10th player in MLS history to record 15 career assists before turning 21 years old. The victory also elevated Chicago to 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings, just three points below the playoff line.
Just a few days later, Herbers was awarded with Team of the Matchday honors after scoring his first game-winning goal of the season, which proved to be the difference between the two teams against Kansas City. It was Herbers’ 11th career goal for the Fire and his third of 2023. He would start on the TOTM Starting 11 for this week after yet another solid performance in the clean sheet victory over Kansas City.
300 REGULAR SEASON VICTORIES!
A franchise milestone was reached following the 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City last Saturday evening.
With the win, Chicago Fire FC became the ninth team in league history to record 300 regular season victories – and just the first expansion team to reach the mark.
Chicago has a rich history of success in league play, including capturing an MLS Cup in it’s inaugural season, and a Supporter’s Shield in 2003 after having the best record in the regualr season. Saturday’s victory was yet another reminder of the Fire’s history since joining the league in 1997-98.
