Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire FC II secured a 1-0 win over New England Revolution II on October 19, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts, advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs. The only goal of the match was scored by David Poreba, who was named the league’s MVP for 2024.

This marks the second consecutive year that Chicago Fire FC II has reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Last year, the team advanced after a penalty shootout victory against Orlando City B.

The match remained scoreless through most of the game. In the first half, Chicago’s best opportunity came from Jason Shokalook, the MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot winner, but his shot was saved by New England’s goalkeeper Donovan Parisian. Chicago Fire Academy goalkeeper David Molenda made three saves during his postseason debut to keep the match level.

The breakthrough came in the 86th minute. Jason Shokalook passed to Dylan Borso on the right side. Borso carried the ball to the touchline and crossed to the far post, where Poreba headed it into the net.

Chicago Fire FC II will learn its next opponent for the Eastern Conference Semifinals later this week following the Pick-Your-Opponent selection process. The match is scheduled for the weekend of October 24. All MLS NEXT Pro Playoff matches and the MLS NEXT Pro Cup will be broadcast live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

The match saw several yellow cards issued to both teams. Chicago Fire FC II’s lineup included Molenda in goal, Fleming as captain, and contributions from Diouf, Cupps, Kanyane, Nagle, Williams, Poreba, Damian, Shokalook, and Borso. Substitutes were used sparingly. New England Revolution II featured Parisian in goal and Souza as captain.

The referee for the match was Shawn Tehini, with Art Arustamyan and Austin Holt as assistant referees, and Amin Hadzic as fourth official.