Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire FC is set to face Philadelphia Union at Soldier Field on Wednesday night, marking the start of the second half of their season. The match will begin at 7:30 p.m. CT and will be available globally on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, with local broadcasts in English on wlsam.com and in Spanish on Que Buena Fire through the Uforia App.

Currently holding a 7-6-4 record with 25 points, Chicago Fire FC aims to build on their performance from last season, where they ended with 30 points. They have one of the top offenses in the league, scoring 35 goals so far this season. Their opponents, Philadelphia Union, are close behind with a strong attack and one of the best defenses in the league.

Gregg Berhalter, Chicago Fire FC's Director of Football and Head Coach, has announced changes to the Starting XI for this match. Philip Zinckernagel returns to start his 16th game this season after scoring in four consecutive matches. Leonardo Barroso will make his third start of the year at right back. Jack Elliott and Omar González continue as center backs for their fourth consecutive match together.

Goalkeeper Jeff Gal will start again as Chris Brady is currently participating in the Concacaf Gold Cup with the U.S. Men's National Team. Jonathan Bamba joins Zinckernagel in midfield, having contributed seven assists this season.

The attacking duo consists of Hugo Cuypers and Brian Gutiérrez. Cuypers previously scored twice against Philadelphia Union during a comeback victory last year.

Several players are unavailable due to various reasons including injuries: Carlos Terán, Christopher Cupps, Rominigue Kouamé, Chris Mueller (not injury-related), David Poreba, alongside Brady.

Berhalter's bench options include Bryan Dowd as goalkeeper; defenders Jonathan Dean and Sam Rogers; midfielders Maren Haile-Selassie, Kellyn Acosta, Omari Glasgow, Dje D’Avilla and Sam Williams; forward Tom Barlow.