Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire FC defender Jack Elliott has been named to the Major League Soccer (MLS) Team of the Matchday for Matchday 38, following his two-goal performance in the team's 2-2 draw against Toronto FC at Soldier Field on Saturday. Goalkeeper Chris Brady and winger Philip Zinckernagel were also recognized with spots on the Team of the Matchday bench.

Elliott's selection marks his third appearance in the Team of the Matchday this season. He scored his first brace for Chicago Fire during Saturday’s match. The first goal came in the 71st minute after a corner kick from Zinckernagel, which Elliott converted near the penalty spot. Elliott scored again late in regulation, finishing another assist from Zinckernagel, who achieved his record-breaking 15th assist of the season.

Zinckernagel’s performance earned him a place on the Team of the Matchday bench. His two assists set a new single-season club record for both assists (15) and total goal contributions (29). Brady was also named to the bench after making three saves during the match, conceding only an own goal and a rebound following a saved penalty.

This recognition continues a trend for Chicago Fire players; it is now three consecutive weeks that a member of their squad has featured among MLS’s best performers, following previous selections for defenders Joel Waterman (Matchday 35) and Andrew Gutman (Matchday 37). For Elliott, this is his third selection as part of the starting eleven in 2025, having previously been named for Matchdays 26 and 27. Zinckernagel has appeared as either a starter or substitute on seven occasions this season, equaling Nemanja Nikolić’s record from 2017. Brady has now received three mentions in 2025.

The full Team of the Matchday for Matchday 38 includes forwards Anders Dreyer (SD), Mikael Uhre (PHI), Tadeo Allende (MIA); midfielders Lionel Messi (MIA), Sebastian Berhalter (VAN), Marcel Hartel (STL), Thomas Müller (VAN); defenders Jordi Alba (MIA), Jack Elliott (CHI), Anthony Markanich (MIN); goalkeeper Rafael Cabral (RSL); coach Bradley Carnell (PHI). The bench features Chris Brady (CHI), Andrés Herrera (CLB), Patrickson Delgado (DAL), Joaquín Pereyra (MIN), Philip Zinckernagel (CHI), Pedro de la Vega (SEA), Denis Bouanga (LAFC), Amahl Pellegrino (SD), Kévin Denkey (CIN).

Chicago Fire FC will not play next week due to FIFA’s October international window. Their next match is scheduled against New England Revolution on Decision Day, October 18 at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. Kickoff is at 5:00 p.m. CT and will be available globally via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Local radio coverage will be provided by WLS 890 AM in English and Que Buena Fire through the Uforia App in Spanish.

"Jack Elliott was named to his third Team of the Matchday of the season following his first brace with the Fire on Saturday," according to Chicago Fire FC Communications.

"With two minutes left in regulation time, the English defender dove for Zinckernagel’s record-breaking 15th assist of the season to give Chicago the lead," said Chicago Fire FC Communications.

"Zinckernagel earned a spot on the Team of the Matchday bench for his two assists in the match, setting a single-season Club record for most assists (15) and goal contributions (29)," according to Chicago Fire FC Communications.

"Brady joined him on the bench after a strong performance with three saves, only allowing an own goal and a rebound following a saved penalty kick," said Chicago Fire FC Communications.