Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire FC forward Hugo Cuypers has been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 17. This recognition comes after his standout performance in a 3-1 victory over Orlando City SC at Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, Florida. Philip Zinckernagel, another key player for Chicago Fire FC, was selected for the team’s bench following his three goal contributions in the same match.

Cuypers' latest accolade marks his third weekly league honor this season. He scored twice in quick succession against Orlando, achieving his second brace of 2025. His first goal came in the 31st minute with an assist from Zinckernagel, followed by a second just one minute and 17 seconds later—setting a club record for the fastest brace.

Zinckernagel contributed significantly to Chicago's win by scoring early in the fifth minute and assisting both of Cuypers' goals. This marked his third game of 2025 with multiple goal contributions and extended his streak to six consecutive road matches with either a goal or an assist.

Cuypers had previously appeared on the MLS Team of the Matchday bench during Matchday 2 and as part of the starting XI in Matchday 3 after a strong showing against FC Dallas. His first appearance on this list dates back to Matchday 24 in 2024 when he scored two goals against Philadelphia Union.

For Zinckernagel, this is his second appearance on the MLS Team of the Matchday following an earlier selection during Matchday 5 when he also scored and assisted against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

Chicago Fire FC is set to conclude their five-game East Coast road trip with a match against D.C. United at Audi Field on June 7 at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will be available globally via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and locally through wlsam.com (English) and Que Buena 105.1 via Uforia app (Spanish).