Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire FC II secured a place in the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs after defeating FC Cincinnati 2 with a score of 2-1 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. This win moves the team to second place in the Eastern Conference, trailing New York Red Bulls II.

The match remained goalless until the 59th minute when Peter Mangione scored for FC Cincinnati 2. Chicago Fire midfielder David Poreba returned to play for the first time this year after recovering from an ACL injury suffered during preseason. Poreba entered as a substitute in the 75th minute and drew a penalty in the 86th minute. He converted the penalty kick in the 87th minute to equalize.

Jhoiner Montiel completed the comeback for Chicago Fire FC II by scoring in stoppage time, giving his team the lead and ultimately securing victory.

Chicago Fire FC II will finish its two-game homestand against New York City FC II on Sunday, September 14, at SeatGeek Stadium. The match is free to attend and can be viewed online at MLSNEXTPro.com.

The game statistics show that Chicago Fire FC II had nine shots compared to fifteen by FC Cincinnati 2. Passing accuracy was slightly higher for Cincinnati at 85.9%, while Chicago finished with 83.5%. The referee for the match was Alex Beehler.

"Chicago Fire first team midfielder David Poreba entered the match in the 75th minute, taking the field for the first time in 2025 following an ACL tear during preseason. Poreba drew a foul in the box in the 86th minute and stepped up to take the ensuing penalty kick, leveling the score in the 87th minute."

"The comeback was completed in the second minute of stoppage time when Jhoiner Montiel collected the ball just behind the Cincinnati backline and sprinted toward goal, finding himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper and slotting it into the lower left corner."

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