Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire FC began their 2025 Major League Soccer season with a 4-2 defeat against Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field. The match saw Chicago's Brian Gutiérrez score twice, assisted by Jonathan Bamba, who was making his debut for the team. Columbus' Diego Rossi also scored two goals, including the match-winner.

The game started with both teams trying to find their rhythm in cold conditions. Chicago took an early lead when Bamba set up Gutiérrez, who scored past Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte in the 13th minute. Columbus quickly responded as Jacen Russell-Rowe equalized after Sergio Oregel, Jr. lost possession in the box.

Chicago regained the lead through another Gutiérrez goal following a pass from Bamba. However, an own goal by Carlos Terán brought Columbus level again before halftime. Rossi then gave Columbus the lead just before the break and added another goal early in the second half to secure victory for his team.

A potential fifth goal for Columbus was disallowed after a VAR review, but they held on to win their first match of the season. Chicago will next face D.C. United at Soldier Field on March 1.

Brian Gutiérrez's performance marked his first multi-goal game in MLS play. Sergio Oregel, Jr., starting only his second career game, became the 15th Homegrown player to start for Chicago Fire FC. Jonathan Bamba joined David Vaudreuil as one of only two players in club history to record multiple assists in their debut.

The match marked Chicago's first loss against Columbus in a season opener after four such encounters.