The World Cup being hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico was always going to feel like a special moment for the sport in North America – but for many at the Chicago Fire, it’s more than that: It’s personal.
The Chicago Fire sent players to compete in the tournament, a team record, for three different teams. When South Africa faced Canada in the group stage, Fire teammates Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Joel Waterman were on the opposite side of a World Cup game – the first time in Fire history that happened.
Fire Head Coach Gregg Berhalter played for the U.S. Men’s National Team in the 2002 tournament, the team’s most successful run since 1930, coached the squad 2022, and now has his son Sebastian playing with the squad.
When former Fire player Brian Gutiérrez took to the pitch for Mexico last month, it marked the first time that a Fire academy product played in a World Cup. Gutiérrez, a Berwyn, Illinois native, grew up and learned the game alongside other Fire players, including Sergio Oregel Jr, two years younger than Gutiérrez. Oregel, another Fire academy product with Mexican heritage has also played in the U.S. Youth National Team setup.
Here’s what MIR97 Media heard from Fire Head Coach Gregg Berhalter and midfielder Sergio Oregel Jr. about the tournament last Thursday, the day after the USMNT defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina and two days after Mexico advanced past Ecuador.
Head Coach Gregg Berhalter
On the red card that Folarin Balogun received against Bosnia…
“You know, it's one of those things. I think it's really unlucky for Balo[gun]. It looks bad when you see it in freeze frame. I know Balo, I know he had no ill intent. It's just one of those things that's very unlucky. Um, having said that, I think it's going to actually help the group. Out a generation in U.S. soccer history, and now they're four years older, and now they have that experience they played in the World Cup. They know what it's about, and we're starting to see their development, and um, and them competing.”
On the feelings of watching the USMNT advance….
“A lot of pride. You know, first and foremost, I’m a product of U.S. Soccer. I invested a lot of time and energy throughout my whole career to U.S. Soccer and I’m very proud of the team. You know, the last time they won a knockout game in the World Cup, I was on the field, so there’s a lot of synergy there now. Now Sebastian [his son] is on the field.”
“The group, I’m very close to, and really just proud of the guys. It’s really nice to see how they develop, how they matured and how they rose to this occasion.”
On his son Sebastian’s experience playing in the tournament…
“You know, you'd have to ask him to get the best answer, but you know from our conversations, you know, Sebastian's the guy that doesn't take anything for granted. You know, he wakes up every morning excited to be there and hoping to contribute, and contributing in his own way, whether that's off the field, whether that's um, you know, on the field, in practice, in the games, you know, he's there to help the team. And I'm really excited by this opportunity and this experience.”
On the USMNT’s chances against Belgium…
“You know, um, what I learned about this group is that they're going to compete. I know Belgium is a good team. I know we have a lot of respect for Belgium, but in the same sense we're playing at home. And um, and the guys are confident. And when you play against a confident team, it's always, always dangerous. So, you know, I like our chances. But having said that, I know we're not going to take anything for granted, and we're gonna competing.”
On seeing the response around the country to the USMNT’s performance…
“It’s been incredible. You know, a lot of times, I overhear conversations and people that have never been in soccer circle all of a sudden just talking about soccer and excited about the team.”
“And you know, when I thought about it eight years ago [when he was about to become head coach of the squad], [we were] really trying to capture this moment under the idea that it would captivate the whole American public, that we would have this support. And it’s really incredible. I’m looking forward to the game on Monday, for the guys to keep pushing and hopefully advance.”
Midfielder Sergio Oregel Jr.
On seeing Brian Gutiérrez play in the tournament…
“It’s been amazing. Honestly, it’s an inspiration to see that someone from the Fire could make it to that level. Especially going to the games at Recess, seeing him on or seeing when they show him in the starting lineup. Like the fans, everybody there cheers, so just, like, seeing how much love the city has for him and seeing him perform at that level with all of those players is just really nice to see.”
On seeing the response to the USMNT’s performance
“It’s amazing to see all the fans come out to support the US. I know that soccer isn’t the biggest thing in the US right now, but seeing all the fans support them, honestly, it’s been beautiful to see. I’ve never seen the national anthem sung that loud.”
“They’re doing great. I hope they could keep that rolling, and you never know, obviously, there’s three Fire players [that competed in the tournament], you know, with Chris Brady but also Joel [Waterman] still in it.” (Since then, Morocco defeated Canada to end the CanMNT’s tournament.)
On seeing his Fire teammates at the World Cup…
“It’s good to show that the Fire have very high level players, and they’re there to perform for their national teams. It was cool to see Mbo[kazi] play against Canada [in their group stage opener], having both my boys [with Joel Waterman] on the same team. You never really know who to cheer for, but yeah, it’s amazing to see.”
“But especially Brady, like growing up with him through the academy, then being with the US, it’s amazing, yeah, just seeing him after the game, you know, going to the stadium and having that moment.”
