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Tim Hotze

Chicago, IL
Two soccer players go for the ball during a rainy soccer game

Fire vs. New England: Tactics and Starting XI

Before the start of the Fire’s current three-game homestand, I wrote that the team should be looking for seven points out of the three: Although five would likely put the team high enough in the standings to be in one of the playoff spots, given the homefield advantage, the

Nothing Doing: Chicago Fire 0-0 Atlanta United

Nothing Doing: Chicago Fire 0-0 Atlanta United

The Fire faced Atlanta United for the second time in the past month, looking for their first goal in 192 minutes of competitive play, having been shutout in Atlanta on Easter and two of the three games since, needing a win in the second match of a three game homestand

Two soccer players jostle for the ball during a game

Fire at Atlanta: Tactics and Starting XI

The phrase “must-win” is a cliché but with Atlanta winless in their last three – since their 3-0 thrashing of the Fire – and with the Fire looking to bounce back from their worst home loss in seven years – tonight’s matchup is as close to a “must win” game as possible

Real Bad: Chicago Fire 0, Real Salt Lake 4

Real Bad: Chicago Fire 0, Real Salt Lake 4

The Fire hosted Real Salt Lake, looking to begin a three-game homestand on the right foot. A week earlier, they were unable to capitalize on being up a man for more than a half, settling for a goalless draw in New York against the Red Bulls. Instead, the Fire were

Chicago Fire players celebrate after a game against Real Salt Lake

Fire vs Real Salt Lake: Tactics and Starting XI

Update: It has been confirmed that Maren Haile-Selassie is out for the match with an injury. The post has been updated to reflect this. The Fire host Real Salt Lake in the first test of a three game homestand that – not to be dramatic – is crucial if they want to

Quest Over: Fire II 0-1 Indy Eleven

Quest Over: Fire II 0-1 Indy Eleven

The Fire II faced off against Indy Eleven in one of the first competitive matches in history between MLS Next Pro, technically a third division league, and the second division USL Championship in SeatGeek stadium and came up short, falling 0-1 and ending the team’s Quest for the Cup.

Indy Eleven players celebrate a goal during a soccer game.

Opposition Report: Indy Eleven

The Fire II’s Quest for the Cup continues tomorrow when they host Indy Eleven, in one of the first ever competitive matches between an MLS Next Pro team and a side from the second-division USL Championship. To help us understand Indy Eleven, we spoke with David Ziemba, the President

Chicago Fire players celebrate a goal against the New York Red Bulls.

Fire vs New York Red Bulls: Tactics and Starting XI

No MLS match is easy. Away matches are harder. And so naturally after facing six of the top 10 teams based on the 2023 season’s overall table in their first seven matches of the season, the Fire face the current 2024 Supporters Shield-leading New York Red Bulls in their

Soccer player Xherdan Shaqiri celebrates after scoring a goal

Holding Strong: Chicago Fire 2, Houston Dynamo 1

CHICAGO, Ill. — The Fire came home following a two-game road swing, hoping to find a return to the winning form they found in their last match at Soldier Field when the team had a wild 4-3 win over CF Montréal. They got it, and this time, the assist came from

Chicago Fire player Brian Gutiérrez runs during a soccer game

Fire vs Houston: Tactics and Starting XI

The Fire return home to host a Houston Dynamo squad that bested them the last time they met at SeatGeek, though several key players from that match are out for the Dynamo that could change the tone and tenor of the game. Houston Dynamo Overview 2023 Results: 14W-9D-11L, 51 pts,