Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire FC lost 3-1 to New York City FC on Saturday night at Soldier Field. The result keeps Chicago in ninth place in the Eastern Conference with 42 points, maintaining their position as the final team in the playoff spots. New York City FC moves up to 47 points, sitting above Chicago and Miami.

Philip Zinckernagel scored for Chicago in the 13th minute after Brian Gutierrez intercepted a pass and set him up on the right side. Zinckernagel’s goal was his 13th of the season, bringing his total contributions for 2025 to 26, which is second most for a Fire player in a single campaign behind Nemanja Nikolić’s record of 28 in 2017.

New York City FC equalized with a goal from Nicolas Fernandez in the 40th minute. Alonso Martinez put NYCFC ahead in the 57th minute, and Matthew Reid added a third goal in stoppage time.

Joel Waterman made his first start for Chicago after returning from international duty with Canada, becoming the fifteenth player to debut for the club this year.

Several players were unavailable for selection due to lower body injuries: defenders Leonardo Barroso and Chase Gasper, midfielder Rominigue Kouamé, while Chris Mueller missed out for non-injury reasons.

Chicago had more shots than New York (14 to 11) but managed only three on target compared to five by NYCFC. Possession was nearly even, with New York holding a slight edge at just under 52%. Attendance at Soldier Field was recorded at 20,636.

The next match will see Chicago travel to face Minnesota United FC on September 20 at 7:30 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast globally via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and locally through wlsam.com (English) and Que Buena Fire via Uforia App (Spanish). A replay will air on Marquee Sports Network on September 22.

"Center back Joel Waterman started his first match as a member of the Men in Red after returning from international duty with the Canada Men’s National Team. He becomes the 15th player to make his Fire debut in 2025."

"Philip Zinckernagel tallied his 13th goal of the season Saturday. His combined 13 goals and 13 assists in 2025 place him second in goal contributions for a Fire player in a single season. The Danish winger now trails only Nemanja Nikolić’s 28 goal contributions in 2017 as the most in one campaign."

"Defenders Leonardo Barroso (lower body) and Chase Gasper (lower body), and midfielders Rominigue Kouamé (lower body) and Chris Mueller (not due to injury) were unavailable for selection tonight."