Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire FC II concluded its regular season with a 3-3 draw against Columbus Crew 2, followed by a shootout victory that secured an extra point at Lower.com Field in Columbus on Sunday. This result set a new club record for the most points earned by the Fire II squad at the end of a regular season, surpassing their previous best from 2024.

Forward Jason Shokalook played a key role, scoring twice to reach 20 goals for the season and maintaining his position as the league’s top scorer. His first goal came in the 13th minute after combining with Trip Fleming, while his second was scored in the 37th minute following an assist from Jean Diouf. Shokalook's performance marked his fifth multi-goal game of the campaign.

Columbus Crew 2 responded with goals from Nico Rincon and Chase Adams before halftime and early in the second half, leveling the match each time. An own goal credited to Columbus defender Di Noto gave Chicago Fire FC II another lead in the 59th minute, but Columbus equalized again in the 86th minute.

The match proceeded to a shootout where Chicago Fire Academy goalkeeper David Molenda made two saves, helping secure an additional point for Chicago. Molenda finished with ten saves during regulation play.

"Chicago Fire FC II will learn its opponent for the first leg of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro playoffs later this week following the Pick-Your-Opponent selection process that has been a staple of the MLS NEXT Pro postseason. Chicago will then open its third postseason appearance on the road in a match scheduled for the weekend of October 17. All MLS NEXT Pro Playoff matches and the MLS NEXT Pro Cup will air live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV," according to team officials.

The final box score reflected three goals each for both teams during regulation: Shokalook (two) and an own goal by Di Noto accounted for Chicago’s tally; Rincon, Adams, and Gbamblé scored for Columbus.

In discipline matters, yellow cards were issued to Elliot (Columbus) and Reynolds (Chicago). The referee crew included Stephen Foster as head referee.

With this result, Chicago Fire FC II advances into its third consecutive postseason appearance since joining MLS NEXT Pro.