Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire FC is set to conclude a three-game homestand with an Eastern Conference match against Charlotte FC at Soldier Field. The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. CT and 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.

The team aims to replicate their previous success against Charlotte, where they secured a 4-1 victory. Midfielder Brian Gutiérrez was instrumental in that win, scoring twice and earning a spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 14 alongside defender Andrew Gutman.

Gregg Berhalter, Chicago Fire FC's Director of Football and Head Coach, has announced the Starting XI for this match. There are two changes from the lineup that played against Philadelphia on June 25. Defender Sam Rogers returns to partner with captain Jack Elliott at centerback for his 11th start this season. This marks Rogers' 13th Major League Soccer appearance, assisting goalkeeper Jeff Gal in his fifth start for Chicago this year.

Defender Jonathan Dean will make his 12th start of the season at right back, marking his 60th regular-season appearance. He joins left back Andrew Gutman, who is starting for the 19th time this season—a personal best since making 22 starts for Atlanta United in 2022.

Midfielder Mauricio Pineda will play his third consecutive match of the homestand, partnering with fellow Homegrowns Sergio Oregel Jr. and Brian Gutiérrez for their tenth collaboration this season. MLS All-Star Philip Zinckernagel will make his 17th start of the season, leading the team with 14 goal contributions. He will join Hugo Cuypers and Jonathan Bamba in an attack that has scored a total of 35 goals in 2025.

Unavailable players include goalkeeper Chris Brady (international duty); defenders Carlos Terán and Christopher Cupps (both lower body injuries); midfielders Rominigue Kouamé (lower body), Chris Mueller (not due to injury), and David Poreba (lower body). The bench includes goalkeeper Bryan Dowd; defenders Leonardo Barroso and Omar González; midfielders Maren Haile-Selassie, Kellyn Acosta, Omari Glasgow, Dje D’Avilla, Sam Williams; and forward Tom Barlow.