Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire FC is set to play against San Diego FC for the first time in club history. The match will take place on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. CT and will be available globally on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. Local broadcasts will be accessible in English through wlsam.com and in Spanish on Que Buena Fire using the Uforia App.

Currently, Chicago holds a record of 8-8-4 and is actively pursuing a playoff spot, standing just two points shy of last year's point total. Historically, Chicago has fared well against expansion sides with a 10-6-4 all-time record, including 6-3-2 at home. This season, they maintain an undefeated streak against Western Conference teams with a notable win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

Gregg Berhalter, Director of Football and Head Coach for Chicago Fire FC, announced the Starting XI aiming to secure their first victory over San Diego. The lineup features one change from last week's game against FC Cincinnati. Chris Brady returns as goalkeeper for his second clean sheet attempt since the team's May victory over Orlando City SC.

Defender Leonardo Barroso retains his position following his fourth start last week. He will partner with Andrew Gutman, who has been consistent with 21 starts this year. Captain Jack Elliott joins Sam Rogers in defense for the third consecutive game; Elliott has missed only one of the team’s matches this season.

The midfield trio consists of Mauricio Pineda, Sergio Oregel Jr., and Brian Gutiérrez lining up together for their fifth consecutive match. Philip Zinckernagel continues from the right wing as he seeks to reach ten goals this season after contributing significantly with 17 goal involvements so far.

Leading goal-scorer Hugo Cuypers will spearhead the attack alongside Zinckernagel and Jonathan Bamba, who has participated in every match this season.

Unavailable players include defenders Carlos Terán (lower body), Justin Reynolds (head), Christopher Cupps (lower body); midfielders Chris Mueller (not due to injury) and David Poreba (lower body). Bench options include goalkeeper Jeff Gal; defenders Jonathan Dean and Omar González; midfielders Rominigue Kouamé, Maren Haile-Selassie, Kellyn Acosta, Omari Glasgow, Dje D’Avilla; forward Tom Barlow.

"Chicago Fire FC Communications - @ChicagoFire"