Chicago Fire FC was defeated 4-3 by the Portland Timbers in the final match of the 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational, held at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. The game marked the end of Chicago’s preseason campaign as they prepare for the start of the regular Major League Soccer (MLS) season.
Robin Lod scored his first goal of the preseason for Chicago late in the first half, assisted by Chris Mueller. Mueller also added a goal himself and finished with four goal contributions during the tournament. Lod later assisted Maren Haile-Selassie’s equalizer in the 87th minute.
Chicago maintained much of the possession early on and nearly scored through Haile-Selassie’s shot in the 23rd minute, which struck the post. Just before halftime, Mueller navigated pressure near the box and passed to Lod, who converted a one-timed shot under Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis’ glove.
Portland responded quickly after halftime when Antony scored seconds into the second half. Gage Guerra gave Portland a lead in the 56th minute by scoring off a rebound following a save from Chicago goalkeeper Chris Brady.
Mueller brought Chicago level again with his second goal of the tournament in the 63rd minute, finishing a pass from Zinckernagel inside the box. However, Felipe Mora put Portland back ahead ten minutes later with a volley after another run by Antony behind Chicago’s defense.
Lod set up Haile-Selassie for an equalizer with three minutes left in regulation time. In stoppage time, Ariel Lassiter delivered a corner kick that Mora headed home to secure victory for Portland as both teams now look ahead to their respective league openers.
The match featured several cautions: Barroso for Chicago and Bye for Portland. Both teams utilized multiple substitutions throughout play.
Chicago Fire FC will begin its MLS regular season on February 21 against Houston Dynamo FC at Shell Energy Stadium. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT and will be available globally on Apple TV, with local English audio coverage on wlsam.com and Spanish-language coverage via Que Buena Fire on Uforia App.
Chicago Fire FC competes professionally within Major League Soccer conferences and maintains its roster accordingly (https://www.chicagofirefc.com/). The club is based in Chicago, where it hosts matches at Soldier Field (https://www.chicagofirefc.com/). Beyond competition, Chicago Fire FC supports soccer development across the Midwest and invests in community programs (https://www.chicagofirefc.com/). The organization has achieved success with wins in both MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cups while reflecting city history through its crest inspired by the Great Chicago Fire (https://www.chicagofirefc.com/).
