Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire FC is set to conclude a three-game road trip against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday, March 22, at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada. The Fire enters the match following consecutive road victories for the first time since 2023 and back-to-back comeback wins on the road for the first time since 2012. Forward Hugo Cuypers has been instrumental with four goals in the last three games, while defender Andrew Gutman has scored twice in recent matches.

Vancouver returns home after defeating Chicago's Brimstone Cup rival, FC Dallas. The Whitecaps have had a perfect start to their season, earning 12 points from their first four matches—a feat achieved by only seven teams in league history. Their success is attributed to strong team play, with eight different players scoring at least one goal and six defenders contributing seven of their nine goals.

The two teams have faced each other 13 times since Vancouver joined Major League Soccer in 2011. The Whitecaps hold a record of 7-3-3 against Chicago, including a victory in their last meeting at Soldier Field on August 30, 2023. However, Chicago won their previous encounter at BC Place with a score of 3-1 on July 23, 2022.

"Chicago has served as spoiler on the road," said a spokesperson for Chicago Fire FC Communications. A win could give them "its first three-game road winning streak since 2009."

The match will be crucial for both teams' midfield performances. "Vancouver is second in the league in passing percentage," completing nearly all passes due to strong midfield play that Sergio Oregel Jr. and his teammates must counteract.

Defensively, Vancouver's early success has been bolstered by contributions from its defenders like Sam Adekugbe who leads with two goals as a left back.

Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. CT and will be available globally via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and locally through WLS radio stations.