In a pivotal match for their postseason aspirations, Chicago Fire FC secured a crucial 2-0 victory against the Columbus Crew on Saturday, September 28, 2025, at Soldier Field. This win brings the Fire tantalizingly close to clinching a playoff spot for the first time since 2017, signaling a potential end to their long playoff drought.
A Clincher on Home Soil
The match saw the Chicago Fire FC emerge victorious thanks to goals from Andrew Gutman in the 25th minute and Hugo Cuypers in the 70th minute. The performance was anchored by a strong defensive effort, culminating in a clean sheet for goalkeeper Chris Brady. The victory marks the Fire’s 14th win of the 2025 season, pushing their record to 14 wins, 11 losses, and 6 draws, accumulating 48 points. This result was particularly significant as it snapped the Columbus Crew’s eight-match unbeaten run against the Fire, a streak that dated back to 2021.
Playoff Dreams Closer Than Ever
The importance of this win cannot be overstated for Chicago Fire FC. With this victory, the Fire have opened up a five-point lead over the ninth-place New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference standings. Crucially, Chicago also holds a game in hand over the Red Bulls. This advantageous position means that the Fire are now just one win away from officially securing a playoff berth. Furthermore, a victory in their rescheduled match against Inter Miami CF could see them overtake the eighth-place Columbus Crew, significantly improving their seeding. The Chicago sports scene is buzzing with the possibility of playoff soccer returning to the city.
Columbus Crew Secure Playoff Spot Despite Loss
For the Columbus Crew, the outcome was bittersweet. While the loss to Chicago ended their impressive run against the Fire, it did not prevent them from officially clinching a spot in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. Their playoff qualification was confirmed when the New York Red Bulls suffered a defeat to New York City FC on the same day. Despite being outplayed at Soldier Field, the Crew’s earlier season successes and favorable results elsewhere ensured their passage to the postseason.
Individual Brilliance and Milestones
The match was highlighted by standout individual performances. Defender Andrew Gutman opened the scoring with his third goal of the season, a strike that proved to be the game-winner. This goal marked his 13th goal contribution of the campaign, underscoring his importance to the team. Striker Hugo Cuypers continued his prolific scoring form, netting his 17th goal of the season and his 27th overall for the Fire. He is now within striking distance of club legends like Ante Razov for single-season goal tallies. Goalkeeper Chris Brady was instrumental in securing the clean sheet, making two saves to record his fifth shutout of the season and his 11th win, a career-high for a single season. Head Coach Gregg Berhalter also reached a personal milestone, earning his 81st career victory.
Context and Upcoming Challenges
The victory comes at a critical juncture in the MLS season. With the playoffs drawing near, every point and every performance is magnified. The Chicago Fire have navigated a challenging season, striving to overcome a playoff drought that has lasted since 2017, marking seven consecutive seasons without postseason contention as of the end of 2024. This win not only boosts their current standing but also provides a significant morale uplift for the team and its supporters. The news of their improved playoff standing is a welcome development. The team’s immediate focus will shift to their rescheduled fixture against Inter Miami CF on Tuesday, September 30. This match, postponed earlier due to Inter Miami’s participation in the Leagues Cup, presents another prime opportunity for Chicago to solidify their playoff status.
Looking Ahead
The Chicago Fire FC are now firmly in the trending conversation for the MLS Cup Playoffs. Their dominant performance against a playoff-bound Columbus Crew demonstrates their capability to perform under pressure. As the regular season enters its final stretch, the Fire will aim to capitalize on this momentum and secure their place in the postseason, bringing excitement back to the club and its dedicated fanbase.
